“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6. At some point in our lives, we have all been anxious. However, when we compare the circumstances that bring about those feelings to God and His promises, are we anxious or are we anxious?

During times like this — pandemics, viruses, potential financial hardships — it is natural to have anxiety.

Typically, we experience anxiousness about the consequences of our actions. If we are in debt, we wonder, “Will I be in real financial trouble because of the changes in the economy?”

Also, what others think of us may cause us to feel anxious. These thoughts may be simple (almost insignificant) concerns. Some examples might be, “Am I distant enough for social distancing?” Or, “Should I buy an extra cleaner or bathroom tissue? If I do, will people think that I am being selfish?”

But these thoughts can also be more significant. For instance, “What will people think if I lose my home or my job?”

We get anxious about relationships as well. We think, “When will I be able to see my loved ones?” And, “When will I be able to hug them again?”

We experience anxiousness about the future. We think thoughts like, “What will the economy look like? What will the future look like?”

There are two very different definitions for the word anxious. The first is, “Feelings of anxiety or worry”. Basically, this means to be riddled with fear. The second definition is, “Ardent or earnestly wishing”. This means to be excited with anticipation. These definitions really are polar opposites.

So, when we look at the areas that typically cause us to have anxious feelings, we must ask ourselves, “Are we anxious (with feelings of anxiety and worry)?” Or, “Are we anxious (with feelings of excitement and anticipation)?”

When considering the consequences of our actions, are we anxious or are we anxious? Yes, there will be earthly consequences for our sins. For instance, when we steal, we might get caught. Consequently, criminal charges occur. Adulterers who are caught will experience relational consequences. If we focus on these earthly consequences, they might make us anxious — feeling anxiety and worry.

However, we are not called to focus on earthly things. We are called to focus on eternal things. And, if we know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, there are NO eternal consequences for our sin. We will (because of His shed blood) stand before our Heavenly Father, BLAMELESS! “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” Colossians 1:22. Now, that should make us anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

Regarding what others might think of us, are we anxious or are we anxious? We are not here to please people. “For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4. We have been approved to be messengers of God. He knows our hearts! And, if God is with us, what do we have to fear? “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6. We can face anything with Him by our side. Now, that should make us anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

When considering our relationships — how long will they last, when will we be reconciled, etc. — we must keep in mind that God wants us to have loving earthly relationships. “Let brotherly love continue.” Hebrews 13:1. But we must not lose sight of the most important relationship. Only our relationship with God is constant. It is the only one that endures throughout our whole earthly life and for all of eternity (if Jesus is Lord of our lives). “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. God is ever-present in our lives and He is with us wherever we go. Now, that should make us anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

Concerning our future, only God knows the answer to questions like, “What will the economy look like?” or “What will the future look like?” Therefore, focusing on them does nothing to benefit us. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:34. When tempted to worry about tomorrow, we should remember that God wants to give us hope and a future. “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.” Jeremiah 29:11. We also know that our hope is Jesus Christ “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,” 1 Timothy 1:1.

Specifically, if we focus on the things of this earth, our future can seem pretty bleak. But, as followers of Jesus Christ, God promises us an eternity in Heaven with Him! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ” 1 Peter 1:3-4. What more could we ask for? Now, that should make us anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

Sure, we will have trials in this life. Even the apostle Paul had trials. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” Romans 8:18. He showed us that, through those sufferings, we are to compare them to what awaits us in Heaven. Heaven contains all the glories promised in the scriptures. Also, it is the home of our precious Savior and loved ones who have passed away. And we will get to spend eternity with them! Now, that should make us anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

Unfortunately, this earthly life contains many things that can make us anxious with feelings of anxiety or worry. The enemy loves it when we focus on our circumstances here on earth. Furthermore, he despises when we focus on God or the things of eternity. But God warns us not to do fall prey to the enemy’s influence. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2. When we do what God asks, we will surely say that we are anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

This world holds nothing for us. Most of the things that we would strive for — and the things that we worry or are anxious about — are temporary things. Moths and rust will devour these things. Or we will leave them behind (for someone else, to sell) when we die. So, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

Stop focusing on the things of this world. It will only make you anxious with feelings of fear and worry.

Let’s focus on things of eternity. Focus on things of God. Focus on Jesus! Now, that should make us anxious — with excitement and anticipation.

Father God, forgive our lack of focus on you. Forgive us for listening to the enemy’s whispers of deceit instead of your beautiful promises. Forgive the way that we rob you of glory when we are anxious — with feelings of fear and worry. Holy Spirit, fill us with hope. Convict us to look toward Heaven and the glory that awaits us. Jesus, You are the hope of eternity. We love You and thank You for your sacrifice for us. Thank you for your provisions, your Holy Word, your promises, and your sacrifice. We are anxious, Lord — with excitement and anticipation — for your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Come. We love you, Lord, and we pray this in your precious and Holy name. Amen.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and if you have been anxious — with feelings of anxiety and worry, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Pray the prayer that is outlined there, please. God wants to turn your feelings of anxiety and worry into feelings of excitement and anticipation. He wants to remove the fear and anxiety from your life. He wants to replace those feelings with hope and joy. Please, pray that prayer!!!! Once you have prayed, please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know. I’d love to be in prayer with (and for) you.

Luv Ya!