Bible Verse: “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 4:6-7 (NIV)
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
Anxiety is almost an epidemic in our modern world.
As men, we carry many burdens. This is a good thing, at least on this side of eternity. We are called to work (Genesis 2:15). For married men, we are called to love our wives (Ephesians 5:25-29). For fathers, we are called to raise our children well (Ephesians 6:4).
Contrary to popular belief or what the influencers online might try to communicate, the ultimate goal for our lives should not be happy or easy.
If you chase happy and easy, you will be very disappointed.
But you already knew that. At least in your head, but our hearts crave the easy. This may be what makes one path wide and the other narrow (Matthew 7:13-14).
So, life is stressful at times. As men, we are called to carry our burdens, lead our families, and take on responsibilities. Men, you are called to lead, and leadership is a noble burden (1 Timothy 3:1).
The problem is that we live in a fast-paced, dopamine-drenched world. The pressures we feel can be suffocating and overwhelming at times.
It’s too easy for anxiety to creep up when we don’t look at our phones quickly enough, not to mention the anxiety of providing for a family, taking care of aging parents, or wondering if we will ever have a career that makes enough to buy a house.
Yesterday, we looked at fear, which keeps us focused on a known danger, real or perceived.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a general response to an unknown threat. Since the threat is unknown, it can feel overwhelming and unbeatable.
This is where the value of community comes into play. When we engage with others who also love the Lord, our conversations will be filled with the truth. We will be encouraged to seek the Lord and have the opportunity to share and be supportive of others.
This is why we must not give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:25); we need each other.
Prayer: Jesus, in a world filled with anxiety, help me keep my focus on You so that as I seek You, I will see the world the way You do. Amen.
Reflection: What anxieties are you facing? If you can name it, you can shine a light on it. Write your anxieties down, and write the truth from the Word beside it. If needed, share this with a trusted friend or counsellor.
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