Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. ESVMatthew 6
34Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ESV
Anxiety has always plagued me. In and out of life and seasons, it waits for me. There have been periods of time when the torment has been worse, much worse than others. And these have coincided- with seasons of physical imbalance and illness. And O! the relief when the anxiety abates and the frantic thread running through my mind and body finally calms and is still.
The spiritual power and life available to me in Christ is a healing provision. The power of the Word brings healing and peace to a mind troubled and full of unrest; the power of a verse to be an anchor in the storm. I am grateful for all the means of grace in my life- from household filtration systems to the gentle healing of the Lord through time and nutrition. And always, the Word.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[g] Matthew 6 ESV
The Lord is so gentle in His assurance of His complete care and full knowledge. I often ponder this verse. Anxiety cannot add a single hour to life but it can reduce a life. The Lord speaks of value. The Lord speaks of what is important. Life is more than food and drink and clothing. This I know.
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6 ESV
The Lord knows my need. And He cares not only for the need…but He adorns in beauty, too. And He beautifies that which lasts a moment. What does this mean for me? The extravagant beauty of my Lord.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6 ESV
Lord, what have I learned through a lifetime battle with anxiety but to trust You more and lean on You like a little child. I have learned of Your compassion and Your mercy; Your goodness and Your grace. Your generous giving ministers to my heart. You are bigger than my anxiety. I try to trust when the storm rages and praise when all is calm. I have learned gratitude for the good, peaceful times and strength to cling when it is hard. I have tasted the power of Your Word.
Help me recognize all the ways anxiety ravages my soul, and in those moments- seek You. Help me to meditate on Your Word. Help me to treasure it, cling to it, live by it, and memorize it. Your Word is life.
Psalm 119:114
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word. ESV
Rebecca (offeringsbecca)
Sixty-six books in a year 