Be Anxious for . . . Nothing?

            Everything in your life may be sunny and clear right now, but storms will come and roll through our lives bringing the "heavy weather" of trials and suffering. How do we maintain a sense of peace and spiritual balance when those storms strike?

 The words of Helen Lemmel's hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" contain a vital and exciting truth: an unshakable peace is available to all who turn the eyes of their hearts to Jesus. We can have peace when we maintain a close, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.

 As we grow older, life often becomes less predictable. Sorrows and tragedies seem built into the framework of our existence. If we only seek peace within ourselves or from some other human being, when trials come we will likely experience disappointment.

 Only God can handle the problems we face today. He alone can give us peace whatever we face. He never meant for us to be strong on our own. He wants us to find courage and hope and strength in Him and His Word. But how do we do that? How do we change our reaction to trial from anxiety to peace?

 First, we must recognize anxiety for what it is: the opposite of peace. Anxiety fans the flames of doubt and confusion. And it has the ability to leave us helplessly bound by worry and fear. When we surrender to anxious thoughts, we lose our spiritual focus and mindset. The key to overcoming anxiety is releasing to God the things that make us anxious. The following Scriptures can reassure you of God's care and peace in times of adversity.

 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7) .

 "In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). If we want be spiritually successful, we must reach a point where we realize that nothing surprises God. He knows when tragedy or disappointment will strike, and He has a plan for handling each situation. We can trust Him to intervene in our lives.

Nothing is too great for God. He has promised to provide for our needs perfectly, completely, and on time. () Accepting His timetable and the limitations He places on a given situation helps to dispel rising anxiety. If He does not answer a certain prayer immediately, then He has a reason for it. If we will wait for His timing, we will discover greater blessings from Him. Therefore, let Him provide for you in His timing.

 When we accept life as a gift from God, then we can do what Helen Lemmel's song says: "turn our eyes toward Jesus." Looking into His glorious face we will find mercy and grace, forgiveness and hope, peace and everlasting security.

 Peggy Jones