Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Listen to the Word

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Peter’s instruction for dealing with worry begins in an unexpected place - he challenges us to be humble. At first glance, that seems like advice with no connection to the problem of anxiety. But consider Peter’s wisdom. How much of your stress comes from viewing yourself as the center of the universe? If you think you are the star and it is all about you, then the slightest ripple in your financial situation, or the smallest health concern, or the most insignificant personal insult will seem to be the end of the world. But if you are humble - if you live for God and others - those personal trials still hurt, but they are not so earthshaking.

And how much of your stress comes from trying to lift yourself up in the eyes of others? You probably spend significant energy managing your image, attempting to appear smart or spiritual or funny or pretty. That project always produces anxiety. But if you ignore your public approval ratings and trust God to lift you up, you have significantly less to be worried about.

Live the Word

Ask God to help you live for Him. Tell him you want to stop worrying about how others perceive you.