Many live the delusion that someday everything will be settled and secure. The dream house, the perfect marriage, and job security are all just over the horizon. The unexpected is not taken into account.
Anxiety is a very real temptation when we perceive that our security is threatened. One might feel insecure about the potential loss of a house, a job, possessions, or even a relationship. Being threatened with the loss of any one of those things might tempt one with anxiety. Having lost any one of those things might lead to anxiety about how to replace the loss. Anxiety can result when a wrong decision could lead to loss. Anxiety may result from regret over a wrong decision.
Paul wrote, "Do not be anxious about anything" while knowing the loss of his very life was a possibility. How could Paul say this and claim to be content in spite of circumstances? (Philippians 4:6, 11). How do we resist the paralysis, worry, or panic that are characteristics of anxiety?
We must first realize that we do not find security in anything that is temporary. Since tomorrow is uncertain, there is no such thing as job security. Most do not keep the same job until retirement. One statistic says that the average person will change careers at least twice in a lifetime. Even if you don't change careers, you will likely change jobs.
Nor can we find security in possessions. As Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20). Worldly possessions are fragile and vulnerable to the elements. They are not dependable. Many have lost their possessions to fire, theft, or natural disaster. Others have lost houses due to foreclosure, transfer, or job loss. Yet many have survived and moved on.
Suppose that one has anxiety about having to leave a house. This might be tempered by the realization that our earthly dwellings are temporary. We won't keep our houses forever. Our senior years may force downsizing or relocation to a long term care facility. Our homes will finally be left to others who will sort through our stuff which will either be sold at an estate sale or fought over by descendants. Our houses, like our bodies, are only temporary tents in which we reside for a little while. Being too attached to material things can only breed anxiety.
We can resist anxiety if we can be thankful just for today. Be thankful if just for today you have shelter from the elements and a place to sleep tonight. The Lord has provided.
More later.
