How can the truths of the gospel help those who struggle with anxiety? Consider this challenging, X–ray observation from Tim Keller: “Worry is not believing God will get it right and bitterness is believing God got it wrong.”
Worry and bitterness crouch at all our doors. But the Cross! The Cross means no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we risk nothing by asking ourselves a few diagnostic questions:
When I trusted in Jesus for my salvation, did I say, in essence, “My life belongs to you. Do with it as You will.”? If I did, or do now, is there such a thing as “my” life? Have I made Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:20 my own? Have I been crucified with Christ? How much am I clinging to the vision I’ve formulated for my life? How much have I internalized the prayer: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”?
Let’s be real: His call to surrender our agenda and choose instead His kingdom – that feels like pounding the nails into our own flesh. But that is the narrow road. And Jesus stands at the crossroads, beckoning.
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Janice blogs at http://janicecappucci.com
Her book, Storm Clouds of Blessings: True Stories of Ordinary People Finding Hope and Strength in Times of Trouble is available now.