Anxiety.....

According to Websters Dictionary, the definition of the word anxiety is - painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill. Many people get anxious over many things - sometimes trivial things and sometimes life changing things. Have you ever gotten anxious over any of these situations....

1. Grades
2. Decisions about college
3. Family struggles
4. A job
5. Balancing your time between school, a job, family, and friends
6. Sickness - either you are sick or someone close to you is sick
7. Relationships with friends or dating relationships
8. What house you are staying at during D-NOW weekend.
9. Will you know anyone in the house you are staying at during D-NOW weekend

Maybe you had not thought about any of those things on that list but now that you have read them are extremely anxious! Anxiety makes our minds uneasy and our hearts heavy. That is contradictory to the abundant life that Jesus tells us we can have on this earth. In fact, Philippians 4:4-7 says "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Paul is reminding us in this passage (one that He was writing from prison), that the Lord is near. God is not far off in the heavens hovering over us. He lives in our hearts and is with us and near us everyday and in every circumstance. Because of that, we dont need to be anxious about anything. We need to pray to Him, tell Him our concerns, fears, joys, and let Him be in control. In doing that comes great freedom, abundant life, and unexplainable peace.

I hope you all are living in that peace today and everyday. Have a great weekend at D-NOW! I cant wait to see and hear all God will do in your lives!