By Leo Hellyer
We are living in a time in history that is very divisive, polarized, and reactionary. Many people, including Christians, are facing mental health issues trying to make some sense out of everything that is going on around them. A positive aspect of this angst is that people are looking for answers, and many of them are looking for those answers in the church, and more importantly in the Scriptures.
The “left” is against the “right,” and it seems like Democrats and Republicans can’t tolerate being in each other’s presence. When people look to the media for answers and facts, all they get is “spin,” from whatever direction that specific media outlet leans.
God’s Word has the answers, the truth, and the solution to the disorder that we live in. When we become anxious or fearful, many times we try to make sense of things on our own, and fail miserably, and maybe even move into depression. Meanwhile the answers to our dilemma were literally at our fingertips all the time.
In 2023 Max Lucado developed a great tool for us to use to make sense out of those times when we find ourselves anxious, fearful, or even depressed. He provided us with “Calm Moments for Anxious Days: A 90-Day Devotional Journey.” Throughout this book, Lucado guides us through Scripture to firm up our foundation and lessen our anxiousness.
The first Scripture he uses in his devotional is John 14:1. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Right after that, he goes to the Old Testament with Psalm 27:1. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” With this book, Lucado takes us on an exploratory journey of the Bible and how it can greatly improve our quality of life.
On each day of this devotional there is space for you to write down how the Scripture helps you with anxiety, what anxious thoughts you need to release, and your prayer for that day.
He also included a “Quick Reference Guide,” listing each day’s Promise Scripture. This is a wonderful asset for living our lives for Christ daily. The key to properly managing how we handle the anxious days and feelings is to remember that God is in control! We have the responsibility to go to God and His Word, and then be obedient and follow his Word to live a more abundant and happy life.
In addition to Max Lucado’s “90-Day Devotional Journey,” there are other avenues we can utilize to help minimize the effects of anxiousness in our lives. We can immerse ourselves in listening to contemporary Christian music and let God speak to us through these godly songs. Another way to overcome anxiety is to associate with positive, godly believers who can strengthen us and get us back on track, relying on God’s strength and not ours in dealing with the challenges of life.
Many of us get anxious when things that we pray about aren’t resolved as quickly as we think they should be, or in the manner we think they should. We must remember that in most cases (at least in my experience), God’s timing is not the same as our timing. Many of us know what we want, and we want it now. We must be faithful and obedient in all things.
Our level of anxiety would also be more manageable if we would only strive to solve immediate issues as we face them. If we get concerned, anxious, or stressed about things that may, or may not, happen in the distant future, we are trying to take too much upon ourselves, and not placing it in God’s hands.
This trait of anxiousness is one that can be carried forward from generation to generation. Maybe it is our turn to break the cycle. If we could only remember to go to God in the initial part of any situation, instead of trying to take care of it ourselves, in our own strength, and then go to God after we have further messed things up, we would have much less anxiety. God is eagerly waiting for us to come to Him so He can lighten our load. In 1 Peter 5:7 we read, “Give all your worries to Him, because He cares about you.”
Yes, God Almighty cares about you! God provides each one of us with unconditional love. We don’t earn it – we can’t earn it. Once again, remember, God is in control. In Psalm 32:8 we read, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Anxiety can be very debilitating. Anxiety and fear can take over our lives. If we will simply let go of the wheel, step back and let God take control and be obedient, our lives will be much more productive, enjoyable, and fruitful. To do this effectively and consistently we must have faith. We must relinquish control of our lives and seek strength, energy, and direction from God Almighty. God loves us so much that He doesn’t force himself upon us, but He is always ready to intervene on our behalf as soon as we call for Him.
As our faith and obedience increase, our anxiety and fear will decrease. It is time for all of us to become mighty men of God: faithful, obedient, and resilient.
Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church. He has been married to his wife, Norma, for 53 years and has served with Boise Rescue Mission for over 25 years. He is co-founder and training counselor with Taktikor Defense Group. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, he may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or (208) 340-5544.
