Anxiety is a growing reality in our country and world.
We all have struggled with it.
There is much research that has been done on anxiety.
Some of the most successful businesses today are those that work to help with our anxiety (apps, supplements, gyms, etc.) Many of them do help!
At the end of the day each of us needs some place to put our stress.
This week in worship we come to one of the Letters of Paul to the church in Philippi.
Guess what? The people he was writing to also experienced anxiety. Even in the first century in Philippi people dealt with stress.
Paul writes verses six and seven just for them and maybe for us as well.
Paul writes, 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s word to the Philippians and to us today is that we should not forget where we can put our stress.
We can place our stress on God.
When we are stressed we can share our stress with our Savior!
Today, I wonder what it would look like to write a list of all the things causing you stress or anxiety. After writing it down, place your hand on the paper and say this prayer, “God, today I give you my list, knowing you are ready to receive it. God help me to do what I can do and help me to trust in you to do the rest. Give to me the gift of your peace that I may be free to rejoice and be who you fully created me to be. In all things help me give thanks. In all things help me to see you! Amen.”
May this practice and prayer be your peace today!
See you on Sunday,
Pastor Audrey