A Reflection on Anxiety
by LewisDid you ever have one of those days when you felt like Satan was getting through your e-mail spam filters, causing static on your phone calls, and stopping the mail man to hand him a few extra bills for the day’s delivery?
I had a day kind of like that today, and I thought all that was a bit ironic given that yesterday’s sermon was about the causes and cures for anxiety. “Oh yeah, Greer? Let’s see how you like a little bit of this.” Well, I don’t like it. Satan is craftier and stronger than I am, and he has a lot of resources he can draw on to remind me of all that, which he did today with, I suppose, great delight.
To be fair to the spiritual warfare going on in this part of Palo Alto today, God’s warriors got in some pretty good shots as well. I got a video mail message from our great-nieces that was delightful (I’ve watched it at least seven times already), I had a great conversation about church and church related things with a good friend and was able (I hope) to help him with some challenges that he is dealing with, and I got to fix and mail a card to some dear friends who are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Does the day balance out? No, God wins. Even when it doesn’t look like it, God wins. But I recognize that I have a part in the battle, too, and not just as a punching bag, but also as a fighter. I have to leave it up to the Holy Spirit and God’s angels to be the real fighters, but one thing I can fight i the anxiety that is so easily created in my life. I’m not going to do that, because I’m choosing the best portion (fellowship with Jesus), the best conversation (talking with God), and the best priority (seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness).
My goal is not just to preach God’s way of fighting anxiety, but to practice it, and I’m thankful that I’m getting this chance. Not that I’m asking for more chances, mind you.
Under the mercy…
July 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Anxiety? Worry? About what?
July 31st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Some days those angels are really clicking. I had a great day last week where I was just amazed at how many things just “Fell into Place”. Maybe it is anxiety itself that drives them angels away. My most anxious thoughts are for when I’m just not happy with myself. Why can’t I be more balanced, see things through to the end? Oh, there I go again…
August 1st, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Yep, I’m pretty sure that some days the “supervisor angels” come around to check on those who have been assigned to me, and naturally that gets my regular angels on their toes (if they had toes) and looking especially sharp. I love it when that happens!
But you may be right, it may be my own anxiety that limits the ability of my angels to do their work effectively. There’s another reason not to worry, if that is the case.
The book of Daniel makes the case, however, that what may keep the very best of the best angels from jumping in more is that they are busy fighting extraordinary battles that take some precedence our small struggles, though not indefinitely.
Ah, but who am I to understand the things of angels? About all I know is they are messengers of God. But that is enough to make me want to listen!