STRESSED OR BLESSED? 

Our friend Shane Pruitt, who works with the North American Mission Board as a Youth Evangelist, wrote in a recent article that half of all 18 year olds in America report they feel a lot of anxiety. 

During the worst of the Pandemic we received an email from a livestream viewer living in Florida. She told us she has experienced a lot of anxiety and discouragement since the pandemic started, and our ministry was helping her cope. Psychologist Dr Fabiana Franco called anxiety, “the epidemic of our age” citing the staggering statistic that diagnosed anxiety disorders have risen 1200% in the last 3 decades!

People are worried, discouraged, and stressed out right now, and it’s more common than we realize. But there is good news! You can experience peace without worry. 

The Bible gives us a great promise about prayer and its result- peace.

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

This passage offers us a choice about every situation in life: 

We can worry or we can pray! 

God’s instructions to you are simple:

“Don’t worry about ANYTHING

Pray about EVERYTHING.”

Do you ever worry? 

The word “anxious” in verse 6 literally means, “divided mind” or “distracted thoughts.” Anxiety can leave you exhausted from your racing, confused, worried thoughts. 

We display no faith when we worry. 

Oswald Chambers once called anxiety “unconscious blasphemy” because when we worry we are not trusting God. So, how can you trust God more and worry less? 

PRACTICAL POINTERS

•As you fast and pray today, consciously ask God to give you peace. 

•Thank Him for the many blessings He has already blessed you with in your life. 

•Ask Him to meet your every need. 

•Read a lot of Scripture to fill your mind with God’s promises.

•Memorize and repeat Philippians 4:6-7 to yourself all day long!

God bless you as you choose blessing over stressing! 

J. Kie Bowman

Senior Pastor