During the pandemic I dealt with a lot of anxiety. I am sure I am not alone in that. COVID was something none of us had ever heard of, and suddenly it took over the world. During this time, I was also going through a big change by transferring colleges. I ended up being diagnosed with severe anxiety and being put on medication for it. When it came to bringing my burdens before the Lord, I felt like I was waiting in a line where you have to pull a number. I convinced myself that the Lord was "too busy" with others things, like a literal global pandemic. I just kept my anxieties to myself which obviously made it worse. During this time, my mother was my biggest supporter. I pray you all have someone in your life that constantly reminds you of the Lord's truth during a hard season. In the midst of chaos and trying to find a therapist, my mother left me the note below.
Cast your cares on Him.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
1 Peter 5:7-10
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29
Here Jesus is saying "Come." He does not drive any of us away, He calls us to Himself. We have access to a personal Savior who tells us to give Him our burdens. Jesus' yoke is light and easy. If we feel as if we are carrying a load that is unbearable, it is not the yoke of Jesus. The yoke of Jesus does not include the burdens we choose to add to it. This was so encouraging to me the first time I heard it. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, and wondered why the Lord would not take it from me. It was simply because I did not allow Him to. I was not coming to Him in prayer, or even reading scripture. I thought that in my own strength I could overcome my anxiety. Jesus was there all along telling me just to "Come."
Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians about the "thorn in his side" that he asked the Lord to take away from him. Instead Jesus says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:8) Anxiety is still something I deal with even today, but it is just the thorn in my side. His power and strength shines through my brokenness. I can just live in sadness and not take captive my thoughts and worries, or I can live in the grace and power of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points:
● Lord, allow Your strength to shine through my weakness.
● Jesus, thank You for letting me place my burdens before You.
● Lord, let my testimony of Your faithfulness in my life be used for Your glory.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving me in the midst of my brokenness. You care for me even in my darkest times. Thank You for Your Word that daily encourages me. Thank You for the work done on the Cross that allows me to live in Your freedom. May I be a light for Your kingdom today and every day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
For His Glory,
Haley Thorpe.
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