The Cure for Anxiety (Matthew 6)
Dear Christian,
It has been some time since we last spoke. My reason is two-fold. First, I became ill. Second, in my sickness, I neglected to depend on our Lord Jesus Christ. And when I forgot my Lord and Savior, forgot even His love for me, I grew anxious.
Yes, He has shown remarkable mercy to me! Having saved me from the penalty of sin, He is presently saving me from the power of sin. And on that day when He judges the living and the dead, I know I will be free from sin's presence, too." "Do not be anxious, " Jesus tells me, as if he is saying, "Don't you know you will be with me soon?" And so I ask you, Do you have this same assurance? Do you know for certain that you will be with Jesus in eternity? Only those who trust in Christ may go free in the end.
When you have believed, go and tell others about Jesus. "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." As one of His adopted sons or daughters, you are a member of the "chosen race." You are called "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Therefore, do not be anxious. For God will surely supply you with everything you need to overcome the world.
It has been some time since we last spoke. My reason is two-fold. First, I became ill. Second, in my sickness, I neglected to depend on our Lord Jesus Christ. And when I forgot my Lord and Savior, forgot even His love for me, I grew anxious.
I wonder, do you know the feeling of crippling anxiety? The type of anxiety that keeps you locked in your room, under the covers, with seemingly nowhere to go? Perhaps you have known some other ailment, either physical or psychological, that seemed insurmountable and without end.
For me, procrastination could be an Olympic sport. Just the other day I was reminded of my inclination to become laser-focused on a task. Yet, when provided with the facts, and a stern warning, "Do not do this thing," I might just as well be commanded to do it, because I cannot, for whatever reason tear myself away from the thing that I am doing. It is quite exhausting to deal with my anxiety, not the least for me, but for my friends and family as well.
For evidence, we must look ahead in Matthew's gospel. Jesus continues in verse 30, "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You, of little faith!" A strong word, yes. But also a kind word. He had just moments earlier warned his disciples, "Do not be like them (i.e. Gentiles, who suppose their prayers will be heard for their length); for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
This is an important truth for the Christian to recall in moments of anxious living, "Your Father know what you need." This is one of a many constants in Scripture: God protects and provides for His own. He is "the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe" (Deut. 10:17). His provision for our needs is only ever on display when we seek Him earnestly, for He Himself is our reward.
Yes, God is ready and willing to speak with you. He has done all that He can, sacrificing even His own Son, so that each person might "approach the throne of grace with confidence... [to] receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of [his] need." James likewise reminds us, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Even so, I realize the command, "ask of God," may seem out of reach for some. Do not be discouraged or dismayed. If the Lord wills that your pride be sacrificed on this altar, let it be. Then, ask and receive His grace freely as a gift, given to you in Christ Jesus, that your spirit may be whole.
Lastly, I want to remind you that a person's struggle with anxiety is not primarily a cause for concern as regards their salvation*, just as no besetting sin in your own life is the standard by which all Christians are measured. Our Lord knows every heart. We must trust God for wisdom in conversation and so exercise a greater patience with some more than others.
Your heavenly Father knows your need before you even ask Him. He takes great joy in granting you a share of His eternal pleasure. May you be encouraged today as you meditate on these words of Christ, who, with Thomas we affirm, is both Lord and God.
Selah.
For me, procrastination could be an Olympic sport. Just the other day I was reminded of my inclination to become laser-focused on a task. Yet, when provided with the facts, and a stern warning, "Do not do this thing," I might just as well be commanded to do it, because I cannot, for whatever reason tear myself away from the thing that I am doing. It is quite exhausting to deal with my anxiety, not the least for me, but for my friends and family as well.
To save them from compassion fatigue, I know I must submit to God, putting into practice His Word for my life. In Matthew chapter 6, the Lord commands his disciples, "Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing." The ESV states more cleanly, "Do not be anxious."
This can be an especially difficult word to process in times marked by anxiety. Over the course of my life I have regularly sought help from wise men for how to respond to challenging circumstances. And I have even wondered, might the commands be understood differently? I have thought, Jesus is only suggesting we should be less anxious, right? For that would sit well with me. But no, it is an imperative, a loving command, "Do not do this thing."
Rightly understanding God's Word does not stop here with the mind. Truly hearing Christ's command involves a call to action, to apply the command to daily life. You may have thought at first, Why does Jesus tell his followers "Do not be anxious?" Well, for the simple and obvious reason that they were.
This can be an especially difficult word to process in times marked by anxiety. Over the course of my life I have regularly sought help from wise men for how to respond to challenging circumstances. And I have even wondered, might the commands be understood differently? I have thought, Jesus is only suggesting we should be less anxious, right? For that would sit well with me. But no, it is an imperative, a loving command, "Do not do this thing."
Rightly understanding God's Word does not stop here with the mind. Truly hearing Christ's command involves a call to action, to apply the command to daily life. You may have thought at first, Why does Jesus tell his followers "Do not be anxious?" Well, for the simple and obvious reason that they were.
As God in the flesh, Jesus knew man's propensity for worry. And I trust this is why some assert Christ was acting maliciously, for they hear him speak anxiety-inducing words. But of course they are wrong. For the Good Shepherd speaks sweetly to his sheep and is gentle and lowly at all times.
For evidence, we must look ahead in Matthew's gospel. Jesus continues in verse 30, "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You, of little faith!" A strong word, yes. But also a kind word. He had just moments earlier warned his disciples, "Do not be like them (i.e. Gentiles, who suppose their prayers will be heard for their length); for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
This is an important truth for the Christian to recall in moments of anxious living, "Your Father know what you need." This is one of a many constants in Scripture: God protects and provides for His own. He is "the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe" (Deut. 10:17). His provision for our needs is only ever on display when we seek Him earnestly, for He Himself is our reward.
Yes, God is ready and willing to speak with you. He has done all that He can, sacrificing even His own Son, so that each person might "approach the throne of grace with confidence... [to] receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of [his] need." James likewise reminds us, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Even so, I realize the command, "ask of God," may seem out of reach for some. Do not be discouraged or dismayed. If the Lord wills that your pride be sacrificed on this altar, let it be. Then, ask and receive His grace freely as a gift, given to you in Christ Jesus, that your spirit may be whole.
For it was His grace that first converted me to Christ. It is His grace still that overcomes my fears. And it is His grace that flows down from heaven into the heart of every Christian who believes. I tell you the truth, if you and I are to one day be completely free of anxiety, it will surely come from without, and not from within.
Lastly, I want to remind you that a person's struggle with anxiety is not primarily a cause for concern as regards their salvation*, just as no besetting sin in your own life is the standard by which all Christians are measured. Our Lord knows every heart. We must trust God for wisdom in conversation and so exercise a greater patience with some more than others.
We all need encouragement to run our race well. Daily we ought to remind each other of what lies ahead so that none grows weary. Let the refreshing words of Jesus wash over you today, "Do not worry about your life." "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." Hear again from Jesus, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom."
Your heavenly Father knows your need before you even ask Him. He takes great joy in granting you a share of His eternal pleasure. May you be encouraged today as you meditate on these words of Christ, who, with Thomas we affirm, is both Lord and God.
Selah.
*NOTE: On this very topic, there are times and seasons when I am not myself—my wife can tell you—when I forget the good news of Jesus Christ, and slip into depression. But I know the Creator of the world personally, God Most High, who is "Himself kind to ungrateful and evil men." So, though I may be ungrateful to God for a season, I know He loves me as His own. I know that He will not break His promise to me, His child, for He has promised in His Son to keep me for eternity.
Yes, He has shown remarkable mercy to me! Having saved me from the penalty of sin, He is presently saving me from the power of sin. And on that day when He judges the living and the dead, I know I will be free from sin's presence, too." "Do not be anxious, " Jesus tells me, as if he is saying, "Don't you know you will be with me soon?" And so I ask you, Do you have this same assurance? Do you know for certain that you will be with Jesus in eternity? Only those who trust in Christ may go free in the end.
If Jesus is yours, congratulations! You have stored up treasure in heaven and are blessed in Christ! Praise God you are kept by Jesus Himself, that he has reserved a place for you with him. But if Christ is not yours, at least not in this moment, I have just one more thing to say: Please consider Jesus. Appeal to his perfect life, how he trusted his heavenly Father and obeyed his earthly parents. First as a child and later as an adult he lived a life of integrity that neither you or I can attain.
Consider the ways he subjected himself to humanity's unjust treatment of him, having the full knowledge of God who reigns supremely over all creation. Consider also his death, how he bled and died for sin, that he might cover even your sins. Finally, consider his glorious resurrection, and his power over death, how he lives at this very moment, awaiting the day when he will raise up every Christian with him in the highest heaven.
When you have believed, go and tell others about Jesus. "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." As one of His adopted sons or daughters, you are a member of the "chosen race." You are called "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Therefore, do not be anxious. For God will surely supply you with everything you need to overcome the world.
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