A state university in New York conducted an experiment in which sheep were given electric shocks to see what levels of fear and pain they could tolerate. As the sheep begun to anticipate upcoming shocks, they became anxious — and many actually died as their systems became devastated by fear.

    Anxiety, fear, or worry is one of the most destructive forces that can enter our lives. To help us with this, Paul’s counsel to the Philippian believers proves helpful. Paul tells them in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds to Christ Jesus.”

“Be anxious for nothing...”

    Today you may be feeling anxious about life, studies, work, family situations, money, or a number of other things. Take courage and talk with God, openly, honestly, reverently, and with faith and also with thanksgiving. Realize that God also gave you his family, the Church, to have friends with whom you can share your concerns. Don’t let anxiety grip you by remaining silent. Talk with your Father, share your burdern with a brother or sister. Then trust that His peace can take hold in your life. Trust Him with your burdens, knowing that your requests are not burdensome to Him. Remind yourself of His blessings and grace as you thank God for all that He has done, is doing, and will do — not only for you, but in the great history of His salvation.

    Anxiety can be overwhelming. But our God is greater still. He has led His people, and He is leading you, to a far greater glory than what we now can imagine. It’s not that life isn’t sometimes very hard. But as the apostle Paul said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

Copyright (c) 2001, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.
Title: "Anxiety"
Author: Brent Nidiffer and Jamie Shell
Publication Date: April 27, 2001

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