We’ve been living in a time where there is information overload. I remember the birth of CNN, the 24-hour news network. That radically changed how we received news broadcasting. I remember the growth of the internet. It radically changed how much information we have access to in an instant. I remember when someone first showed me their MySpace page, and wondering what the heck that would be useful for. That was quickly overtaken by Facebook; everyone has Facebook. We’ve watched Facebook now change how people communicate information and most of their news. If you think about it, is it any wonder there is such an increase in anxiety in our world? Where is the rest, the break from all the concerns of the world? Where is Jesus in all this?
The answer is Jesus is resident within you. Jesus says in John 14, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
It’s normal and good to care about everything that is going on with everyone. It’s normal and good to care for all the injustices in the world and to want to see good overcome evil. But guess what? It’s too much for us to bear alone. We can’t handle it. But Jesus can, and because Jesus dwells within you, he can help you cope. We have to remember to let him! Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” 1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” It doesn’t say you’ll never have anxiety; it just tells you what to do with it.
The Lord instructs us to combat fear and anxiety with rejoicing and prayer. Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
If you are feeling anxious or afraid, might you be carrying your burdens alone? Have you prayed about it? Have you asked Jesus to take the burdens upon himself to make your load lighter? It’s not selfish. He expects it and graciously commands you to do it, so go ahead! As you do, he’ll meet you where you’re at and shower you with his peace. It doesn’t cause all the troubles to go away all at once, of course, but it will lighten your load and help you continue putting one foot in front of the other.