You know what I’ve noticed after a decade or more of daily devotionals? If we’re faithful to meet with God in the wee hours of the day, the Lord will often talk with us about the attitude, grace, perspective or particular fruit of the Spirit that we will require to successfully navigate the day ahead. Some days, I really appreciate it. Other days, I receive a word and I almost wince, wondering what we’re going to unpack by the time my head hits the pillow that evening. Yesterday was one of those days.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
I might have been in sixth grade when my youth group went to see Joni Erikson Tada in concert. Her story captivated my young mind; a diving accident in her teens had rendered her paralyzed from the neck down. Her personality and song filled the stage and at the close of the concert I handed over my allowance money to purchase her cassette tape. There was a song on side B where she quoted this scripture. Decades later, I can still hear her voice and cadence, speaking peace into the apricot-colored walls of my childhood room. I’ve long thought, “If Joni Erickson Tada can find enough strength to cast her cares to God, so can I.”
“When my anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19 NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
I came across it this week, the hard truth that Paul never prayed for the alleviation of his friend’s hardships. Not at all. He prayed for spiritual strength, for joy, and for Kingdom outcomes. This should give us pause in our own prayer requests. How is a Kingdom supplication different than an earthly suppllication? Four small words should reshape every request. “Thy will be done.” We pray and pursue God’s perfect will with eternity in mind.
I have a friend who’s wisdom has affected my parenting for a long time. She says “Will it matter in ten years?” She’s so very right when it comes to raising young people, but we may need to lengthen our view when it comes to everything else. “Will it matter in eternity?” This question reframes every anxiety in the light of the Kingdom. Things that feel big and scary today often won’t amount to a hill of beans in heaven.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our yes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV)
Kingdom thinking takes the problems of today and sets them on an eternal scale. Inconveniences of today won’t tip it. Setbacks, hardships, unexpected expenses or procedures or even diagnoses won’t make a bit of difference on our eternal forecast unless we allow anxiety and bitterness to poison our heart and limit our effectiveness.
Beloved, we must guard our Kingdom heart. Sometimes the guard we need the most is a guard against anxiety. Anxiety can steal our Kingdom focus and maybe even our purpose if we are unaware. Anxiety can turn us inward when we are called to live outward. Anxiety can keep us home when we’re called to go into all the world. Anxiety can keep us quiet when we’re called to speak up.
Once again, John Eldredge offers us words of wisdom:
“Every time you find yourself getting anxious about an uncertain hope, stop and pray, “Jesus, I give my heart to Your true and certain return,
and to the renewal of all things.”
Every time disappointment strikes again, pray
“Jesus, I give my heart to Your Kingdom;
I am made for Your Kingdom and nothing less.””
Lord, give us courage to pray our requests in light of Kingdom concerns. Let our view be far longer than this week or this year. Help us see how our attitudes, anxieties and actual intercession can make an impact on eternity. Amen.