I have always been the kind of person who has trouble relaxing completely. Although I generally do not have a problem sleeping and usually feel well physically, I more often than not find myself slightly on edge. There always seems to be a small twinge of anxiety in the pit of my stomach no matter how well my life is going. In fact, when things are going extremely well, I am often most anxious, waiting for the “inevitable” reversal of my present good fortune.
In my daily Bible reading during the last month, I have been studying the book of Job. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the story, Job was a very successful businessman, respected community leader, beloved family man, and devout follower of God. Through no fault of Job’s, Satan was allowed to take everything from Job including his health. To top it off, Job’s best friends tried to convince him that all of his hardship must have been a result of his extreme sinfulness. Needless to say, those sections of the book of Job did little to ease my periodic anxiety.
But the beautiful thing about Job is that even though he never understood why such horrible misfortune occurred, he trusted that God’s will was being done in his life and that he would be with God after he died. In the end, God restored Job with twice the blessings he possessed before catastrophe struck.
Since reading about Job, I have attempted to place my full trust and confidence in the Lord. Instead of thinking about what might happen with regard to health, family, and finances, I have tried my best to put complete trust in God’s good and gracious will. Realizing that He is guiding me, even though I may not have a clue about the destination, I have experienced a greater peace of mind.
Could this work for you? Unfortunately, problems do occur in life. We must face them with God’s help. However, we can avoid inventing our own unfounded fears by trusting more fully in God’s direction for our future. Knowing that His hand will reach out to catch us when we fall allow us to enjoy our lives here on earth more fully. Then, when we leave this earth to be with Him, any remaining anxiety will be gone forever.