Help for the Anxious Mind

I woke this morning to a mind that was racing.  I was thinking about things I needed to do today and things I could do today.  It was hard to focus.  No, more than that, it was impossible to focus.  So, I attempted to pray.  The key word there of course is attempted!  But God is faithful.  I asked Him to direct my mind to His word.  I wasn’t sure where to go, so I just told God I was anxious about many things.  And God’s Spirit was faithful to remind me, just like Jesus said He would, of God’s word.  And these were the words He reminded me of:  “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Martha was hearing what I needed to hear.  This word confronted my heart.  What am I anxious and troubled about this morning?  I could see it was falling into two categories: fear that I would not have the courage to do what is good today and fear that I would make a mistake.  I woke up with ideas of good things I could do for the church and my neighbors, but deeply concerned that I won’t have what it takes to follow through.  I woke with thoughts of decisions that I need to make wisely, but concerned that I am going to make a mistake.  As I starred at these two anxious thoughts I realized this: my desire in both is to be impressive, even the hero.

Jesus loves me too much to leave me in this spot.  Not because He doesn’t think highly of me, but because He knows that is not my job.  Just like it wasn’t Martha’s.  I can just imagine Martha running around her house cleaning up cluttered areas or wiping down dirty spots.  I can see her cooking food and getting everything in place for the meal.  I can see her working hard to impress Jesus.  But He doesn’t need to be impressed. 

I was consumed this morning with trying to impress people.  Trying to be the hero.  But I am not the hero.  I needed a gentle rebuke this morning: “Paul, Paul, you are anxious and troubled about many things.”  I needed to see them with my own eyes.  I needed to confess them with my own lips.  I needed to hear from Jesus, “but one thing is necessary.”  HIM!  The Lord Jesus Christ is the hero.  The Lord Jesus Christ is highly exalted.  The Lord Jesus Christ is King of Glory.  There is no other. 

When my mind could see that it began to come to rest.  It began to settle.  And God’s word began to come to mind more easily instead of my lists of things to do.  Words like:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon, you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls.  For my burden is easy, and my yoke is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  

“Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong: fear not!  Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God.  He will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:4).

Thanks to Jesus Christ my anxious mind can find rest.  For the one who can calm storms with a word, take away my sins by His death, and give me new life by His resurrection can certainly bring this mind of mine to rest in His presence.  May all who need Him turn to Him today.  May these words give you rest in Jesus Name, Amen!