It has been an intense summer. Over the past six weeks, I have experienced the joy of two week-long Vacation Bible School outreaches, two mission trips to Bayou LaBatre, Alabama and Boston, Massachusetts, as well as a very intense two-week school for pastors in Rockaway, NJ. I was wrapping up my fourth week away when I woke up one Saturday morning in mid-July at 5am with tightness in my chest, a rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. I panicked, fearing the worst. Was it a heart attack? I was afraid and alone in a quiet New Jersey hotel room, with my family too far away for comfort. Unsure of what to do next, I decided to take a walk to the lobby. It was there, in the early morning hour, that God sent a comforter to assure me that everything was going to be okay, and that I had no choice – I was going to visit the Emergency Room. While my blood pressure was high, the EKG and chest x-rays looked fine. I was thankful, but still concerned about how I was feeling. The Lord sent another comforter later that night to help me understand that what I was experiencing was anxiety. Me? Anxiety? That’s exactly what it was. I needed to retreat; to rest.
I have met countless people throughout our community and congregation that have struggled with anxiety. Some cases are more severe than others. I never understood anxiety until I experienced its crippling effects for myself. I can honestly say that I now have more compassion for this issue, than I ever could have without experiencing it. Perhaps you are reading this blog and you find yourself struggling. Let me share a few words of comfort with you.
First, I want to challenge you to look to the Lord. He is with you. You’re not alone. He is the great shepherd; the one who walks with us along quiet waters, as well as through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). He promises us to never let us down, to never walk off and leave us (Hebrews 13:5, MSG). Before you strive to sort things out on your own, run to the Lord first. In the book of 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat was about to be attacked by a vast army of enemies. He was initially alarmed, shaken, and terrified – but he quickly turned to the Lord. He gathered the people, called a fast, and spent time in intense prayer. As he was praying, he began to recall the faithfulness of God throughout history. As he finished praying, he prayed these precious words, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”
Second, I want to challenge you to rest in the Lord. Anxiety can be caused by a number of things. For me, it was a lack of rest and personal spiritual nourishment. It’s so important that we honor and keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a wonderful gift provided for us to worship together, to nourish our spirit, to enjoy the fellowship of one another, to spend time being refreshed in the Word of God and in prayer. The Sabbath is also a time to be still; to lay aside work and the “to-do” lists – to rest and trust in His provision. It isn’t God’s will for us to burn out. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Friends, He is eager to accept and carry your burdens. Do you trust Him?
Finally, I want to challenge you to wait on the Lord. To wait on the Lord means to surrender your cares and concerns; to keep your eyes on Him, rather than dwelling or worrying about your circumstances. Worry accomplishes nothing. We need to change our way of thinking – instead of worrying, we need to worship! We need to praise Him in the midst of the storm. When Jehoshaphat and his people began to worship the Lord, things began to happen; the Lord brought a tremendous victory. And so it is with our lives.
Receive the Word of the Lord, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” If you are going to have victory over anxiety, you’ll need to make a few changes. What is God calling you to do?
