Words of Hope — Be Anxious for Nothing
I opened up Dad’s journal from 1987 recently. The year I survived a severe car accident on my way to school. The entry date was May, but I could tell Dad was still navigating the fear of that terrible memory. He also shared fears about camp attendance and the state of the world. I felt a bit sad reading this entry because my Dad seemed in pain during this time. He seemed so anxious and troubled. However, I also felt thrilled that my Dad lived wholly changed from this in his last decade.
Nothing in the journal entry reminded me of recent memories of Dad, who faced much worse adversity than in 1987. Dad never talked like this now. His language was so unusual it was like reading about two different people. Dad would say cancer taught him to view problems in a new way. Dad learned the discipline to be anxious about nothing. Not cancer, or rumors of war, or viruses, or inflation, or …. Be anxious for no-thing.
Reading the journal showed me each day is a choice to be anxious or to be peaceful. It is an intentional decision not to be tossed to and fro by our life. Circumstances cannot interrupt inner peace for those with their eyes on Jesus. I saw my Dad live this transformed life, and I got a front-row seat.
“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 surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
