By Allen White
Why do we feel so anxious? Anxiety is tied to the future. We’re not anxious about our past. After all, if we are anxious someone might find out something about our past, that’s actually a future concern. Past is past.
Anxiety is a problem with our future. “I don’t know if I can get all of my work done.” “I don’t know if my kids will turn out well.” “I don’t know where I’ll be a year from now.” “I don’t know if I’ll still have my job.” Anxiety weighs us down.
Research shows by rehearsing these anxious thoughts, we actually put ourselves through the same physiological process as if we’re actually experiencing the problem. If we worry about getting fired, we go through the same stress, emotions, and physical symptoms as if we just received our pink slip. In fact, getting fired might actually come as a relief!
No one has exact certainty regarding his/her future. We can plan. We can work. We can hope, and we can worry. But, worry doesn’t promise a positive outcome. In fact, worry might take us the other direction. Now, there’s one more thing to worry about.
If anxiety weighs down, then a kind word cheers up. Here’s the kind word: there is Someone who knows your entire future – God. Before you were born, God knew you and the path you would take. God is never surprised or worried about what happens to you. He already knows.
Not only does God know our future, He has a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has got things under control, and He is leading us toward a positive result.
Above all else, God loves us. He loves us enough to not leave us with poor character or a defeating circumstance. What He won’t deliver us from He will walk us through, and it will develop our character in the process.
Cheer up. God is on your side. And, if God is for us, then who can be against us?
God knows the future. He knows everything planned for today, and tomorrow, and every day after that. Once the issue you face is resolved, God also knows the peace you will experience. And, here’s the great thing about God, if we follow His instructions in Philippians 4:6-7, we can have that peace now. We don’t have to wait.
“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). Follow these words to cheer your heart and lift your burden.
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