I heard it said recently that two things are needed to bring about socialism to America: fear and free stuff from the government. Sounds like an effective plan.
There are many things going on in our world and lives that are causing people to experience uncertainty, dread, fear and isolation. It’s not unusual for people to be flooded with so much anxiety they don’t know what to do, who is right, and what is truth that they throw up their hands in frustration and give up or just stay put.
“Anxiety is a painful uneasiness of the mind tied to an impending event.” (Dr. H. Norman Wright). Every day we hear bad news that triggers stress, worry, and fear. Fear has the ability to paralyze activities and confuse sound reasoning. This is nothing new. Habakkuk shares some common effects of worry and anxiety: I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. 3:16
“Anxiety is toxic, and worry is thinking turned into poisoned thoughts. A small trickle of fear that meanders through the mind until it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” (Ibid.)
Be assured God is bigger than any problem, threat or fear we will ever face. Luke 21:14-15 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. We are told to “make up your mind” which means we have a choice as to whether we will choose worry or choose not to worry. Whatever we choose to think about will either produce or remove feelings of anxiety or worry. Instead of focusing the mind on what could happen or on negative thoughts, focus on the love, mercy and power of God to carry you through the day and into tomorrow. He is already there and he has conquered every enemy we will face, including fear.
“We have power over what we believe, but what we believe has power over us: power to heal or power to destroy.” Dr. Timothy Jennings. We could add: power to enslave or power to free.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way: Sunday 3, 9:00 Morning worship & Holy Communion. Sermon: The Sleep That Changed the World. Genesis 2:18-25
10:15 Sunday school for all ages.
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