I DO NOT BELONG HERE

Lately the issues of fear, anxiety and depression are coming up for me and those around me. It is ironic that there is an increase in this negativity around a holiday that symbolizes peace, love and all will be well. I listened to a very good sermon today about anxiety by Charles Stanley. One thought that really stuck with me is that GOD knows we will face these feelings. We are surrounded by things of this world which evoke many emotions. And then I remember a friend who said “I don’t belong here”. Initially when I saw those words, I must admit, I took offense because I thought he meant he did not belong to a Facebook group that was created. (see how the “me” gets in the way of GOD – but that will be for another day’s blog, LOL). 

We don’t belong here, we are not of this world. This world is temporary. GOD provides us tools to survive this world and live in it with peace and joy. We are tempted every single day by our surroundings. BUT keeping our eyes on JESUS and what HE offers, can keep us grounded and less anxious. SO… all in all “we do not belong here”.

Sometimes, anxiety is an unrest in the spirit and is GOD talking to us. That is good anxiety. Generally it is GOD trying to protect us from entering mucky waters. Generally anxiety and depression are a result of things that we cannot control, or of the unforeseen or even a result of something we may have done wrong. GOD still holds us. Faith is allowing GOD to take on what we know we cannot and even what we think we can. Faith is knowing it will all be ok, even when we do not know the outcome. Grace is GOD’s love even when we do something wrong. This is a win-win with JESUS!

2 Corinthians 12:8-9   Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

 

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