So, more thoughts on anxiety and worry:
As the Lord has been teaching me lately about resting in Him, I thought it would be a good thing to keep writing about!
The Lord has teaching me recently about trust: about the Lord teaching us; helping us quieten down the anxious flow of thoughts and plannings in our minds- just living moment by moment, abiding in Him through Jesus.
I was praying recently about anxiety: about the anxious thought that so often trouble my mind.
A picture came to mind: a little child tucked up in her Father’s embrace, head tucked under His arm, quiet. Just resting in His embrace.
And isn’t that the answer?
Just resting in His embrace. Not needing to understand. Not needing to know what will happen: just resting in His arms, and letting His love be enough for right now… and for the fear, too, because what drives out fear is perfect love, and tormenting fear has been broken for all who follow Jesus.
’18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.’ 1 John 4:18
If you have been forgiven through Jesus and belong to Him (and that’s the key because we face God’s judgement without that and He longs to welcome us all when we come to Him, turn from wrong, surrender our lives to Him as Lord and receive His free forgiveness because of what Jesus did on the cross), you can learn and grow in the peace of living life with your Lord in control.
Living from His arms.
Moment by moment. Just doing what the song says: ‘Trust and obey’.
What can I do when something makes me anxious?
I can be that little girl again, coming back into her Father’s arms. Committing it to Him… and then nestling down, tucking my head under His arm, doing what He tells me to do and trusting Him to fight for me.
When the fear comes back, I can nestle closer; look up to Him more, and trust Him to work things out for me.
Like going to sleep in His arms (see Psalm 127:1-2).
It’s definitely a learning curve! Not that something that comes all at once. But it’s something I can grow in. I’ve definitely seen progress!
It reminds me of another picture that came to mind once, when I used to struggle more often with swirling thoughts.
It was a still, still lake, brilliantly blue, under a bright, bright sky.
Stillness. Perfect peace.
It was a picture of what my mind could be: of what He is doing in me.
I glimpse it sometimes. I suddenly notice that my mind is still: wonderfully, radiantly so. It’s incredible.
I can upset that peace with my worry. I often do.
But it’s growing. Sometimes I glimpse it.
Peace.
Because, really, God has me. I don’t need to know the answers. I can rest in Him.
And, in Him, I am so very, very loved. And so many encouragements can hold me, because, through Jesus, I am His.
Those who belong to Jesus, look to Him for salvation and follow Him through our lives (as we all need to), have such confidence, and so many reasons, even when it doesn’t make sense, to be at peace.
Below is a poem I wrote, trying to express encouragement in knowing the Father’s love. My words are not Scripture, except when containing Scripture, but I pray they will encourage you today.
Beloved
‘The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;”‘ Jeremiah 31:3a
You are My beloved,
Apple of My eye,
My treasured possession,
Precious in My eyes.
My child, My creation,
By My hand designed
For something so special
With just you in mind.
Fear not, you are precious,
Cherished in My sight,
Embraced in My presence,
Held fast in My might.
Never will I leave you,
No, never forsake.
I will be your shelter
For each hour, each day.
When you walk through valleys,
I will still be here
When you face deep waters,
You never need fear.
I’m here as your Refuge.
I’m here by your side.
Loving My beloved,
Longing for My bride.
I delight to use you
In ways you’d never dream.
My plan and My purpose
Are wide and vast, unseen.
So wide is My promise,
My purpose so great
To awake the nations
To praise My great Name.
So live out your calling,
Be all that I made.
I’ll not fail to use you
To honour My Name.
You’re loved. Everlasting,
My faithful pursuit.
My love will not fail you.
I make all things new.
My love is unending,
My promise to you. My Arms everlasting
Will carry you through.
Soon I will come back
To take you to Me.
Each tear I will comfort.
You’ll belong to Me.
My treasure, My darling,
Apple of My eye,
My treasured possession,
Honoured in My sight.
Arise, My beloved.
You’re precious to Me.
Come rest in My presence.
Come walk close to Me.
(To know that wonderful hope in Him, come to Him. Surrender to Him. Turn from wrong. Receive His forgiveness through Jesus. Give your life, all your days, into His hands as your Lord. It won’t always be easy, but He will be all you need and it’s entirely worth it. He will amaze you by what He does!)
Caroline Abblitt 