- Fix My Mind
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We have been dealing with how to fight anxiety and depression for the last few weeks. It’s important to know that this suffering is not forever it’s just for right now and ultimately we also, as Jesus followers, have hope in the next life. This world is full of trouble, but Praise the Lord this world is not our home. We are made for another world, citizens of heaven. Because our home-land is somewhere else, we must be careful to be sure we aren’t too tied up in the affairs of this world.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Peace is possible because Jesus has already overcome our worst fear, He has the victory over death! You have heard the saying before, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…” and that may be true but for a Christian, even death is not the end of the story. Even if something did ultimately kill you, you still have the victory in Jesus Christ! The old preacher once said, “You can’t threaten me with Heaven.”
Maybe through this series, what God is really speaking to your heart about is the need for you to seek a professional counselor. Maybe you need to do more intensive and deeper work with someone that is trained to walk with you. Don’t ignore that! Get the help you need, don’t be too proud, and don’t turn around at the first roadblock. You do not have to live with crushing anxiety. Sometimes the biggest step of faith is asking for help. God will meet us there! He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in a time of trouble! If God is leading you there don’t ignore it!
Maybe part of your issue is that you aren’t living in a community with other Christians, you’re very alone in your Christian walk. Community isn’t just sitting near someone in the church. It’s sharing your life with other people, the ups and the downs the prayers and the praises, the encouragement, and accountability. We each need 2 or 3 friends that we are walking through our Christian life with, weekly if not daily, sharing scripture, and praying together. You weren’t meant to walk alone!
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Jesus is coming back, and we will see peace comfort, and victory forever, but until then HOLD FAST, don’t waver. How can we stir each other up? How can we be together for real, not just near each other but encouraging one another? We aren’t home yet, but it will be worth it all when we see Jesus! When we get there, there will be no fear, no worry, no anxiety. He will wipe every tear from our eye, and with it all pain and struggle.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
What you are struggling with is just what is happening right now. We aren’t home yet and when we get there, we will be with Jesus and filled with peace and comfort. Until then we need to comfort each other and bear one another burdens. You may say “I don’t have anyone to bear my burdens? Well, whose burdens are you bearing? Don’t wait around looking to toss your burdens on someone else, start by being a burden bearer yourself and see how God provides for you. You have to find people to share your life with, being the church is not just sitting near someone.
I pray through this series you have heard a good word… that would bring you hope. And challenge you not to make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings. But instead to turn your mind to God and remember you’re not alone, and He keeps his promises.