Hope vs Anxiety

So, you are on break and here I am bringing up anxiety?! But, guess what? This time of year can trigger anxiety more than any other time. Maybe it is facing the end of the year and one is looking back with a twinge of regret. Or, facing a new year with new challenges might be somewhat intimidating.

With the Intra-squad meet in the rear view mirror, it’s time to focus on the Indoor Season. I’m sure that it was good to get out there and into action last week. But, now, it’s “game time”. Some of you will be facing more anxiety about the beginning of Indoor season than others. Whatever your level of anxiety, there is hope.

You may be up against a bit of anxiety related to other areas of your life. If you are dealing with such things to any degree, the Apostle Paul addresses this: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.” Philippians 4:4-7

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

In these verses, both in Philippians and in Romans, Paul moves from joy through anxiety and on to peace through hope. Not just a “wishing it were true” kind of hope but Trusting in the God of Hope. Hope will win when facing anxiety as we trust in a God who loves us and truly desires to meet our every need. 

Let’s pray. ”Father, trusting in you with our worries is not as easy as trusting that the sun will come up tomorrow. Help us to trust that light will shine into whatever darkness we face and that you will see us through today’s challenges to our faith. May our hope be in you, the God of Hope. May we be anxious about nothing and look to you and you alone for the peace we seek.” Amen

Keep seeking after Him,

Larry

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