April 30, 2007

The Cure for Anxiety

ONE EVENING I DECIDED to go riding above the falls on one of our horses. It had been a beautiful day, but I wanted to be alone with the Lord for a while. I was carrying a heavy burden in my heart and needed God’s perspective concerning my situation. I confess the “What ifs” had me. “What if this happens, will we be able to continue?” Or “What if this doesn’t, will all be lost?”

Before I realized it, I had ridden farther than I planned. It was getting dark and I knew my wife would be waiting. I decided to head home.

Suddenly, my horse jumped and nearly threw me. When I looked up, I saw a man standing in the shadows with a rifle pointed in my direction. I took a deep breath, and called out in a brave voice, “What do you want?” but there was no answer.

At that point I had three choices: I could run, but my adversary had a gun, I could sit still and hope he would disappear, or I could face my fears. I chose to face my fears.

By this time, I noticed my horse was nibbling the grass along the side of the trail. He wasn’t afraid. I urged him to lift his head and move closer to the man who still held a gun pointed in my direction. As he did, I found to my astonishment that my enemy was no threat at all. It was just an old stump—a shadow and nothing to fear.

What is worrying you? Is your enemy telling you that your future is limited in some way and you cannot continue? Satan is a deceiver. He wants us to cower in fear so we will abandon the Lord’s work. Don’t fall for his tactics. Your life is kept by the power of God. He is your cure for anxiety and your hope for eternal peace. Give Him all your fears, and He will lead you on to victory!

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

(By Dr. R.A. Forrest (1881-1959), Toccoa Falls, Georgia, TFC Founder and President. Taken from the book: Leaves From the Tree God Planted © 2006 by Toccoa Falls College, p.90-91)