Devotion: Anxious? Try prayer

A few weeks ago, I had the blessing of spending a weekend in a cabin in Tennessee with my family. Within the first hour in the cabin, my four-yearold grandson, who loves buttons, began pushing the house alarm buttons. Loud sounds began to buzz; everyone was unable to function until the alarm was shut off.

Not long after the alarm was set off, we were visited by local law enforcement checking on us.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious.”

The house alarm going off describes anxiety. To be anxious is to be consumed with an alarm going off.

Dr. John Delony, who is part of Dave Ramsey ministries, explains that anxiety is our God-given alarm going off.

Unfortunately, many are living with their alarm going off and believe this is the way they are and so they must live, experiencing isolation, sleeplessness, exhaustion, self-medication and addictions.

If one believes anxiety is just the way our times are and we are just prone to being anxious, then the only answer to anxiety is to shut off the alarm. This seems to be the way many in our country are choosing to address the stress and pressure of living during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Delony explains we have a choice - ignore needed change in who you are and how you live and shut off the alarm or change your life to align with God’s Word.

Trying to shut off the alarm versus addressing change in your life seems to be what many are choosing. However, Paul says, “Do not be anxious but in everything, pray.”

At Broken Bow EFree Church, we are committed to becoming disciples of Christ and helping others be disciples of Christ. If we can offer support in addressing anxiety or any of life’s challenges, our doors are open. Call us at 308-872-3000.