Don’t Give in to Doubts and Fears

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Among the most highly prescribed medications are those treating anxiety or depression. It appears that so many depend on pharmaceuticals to get them through the day. Underlying much of the sadness of disappointments or fear of the “what if’s” of life is a perceived loss of control, the inadequacies of personal efforts to achieve sustainable happiness. Even if you’re reasonably satisfied with your life, the news of the day of stock market plunges, the apparent lost cause of climate change, and the latest reports of weekly mass shootings, etc. can rattle the best of us. 

For believers who have found sustenance through their total surrender to the will of God, perhaps there’s a different and improved physiological or emotional response to the negative stimuli of daily life. If you have experienced first-hand the loving hand of God to blunt the impact of a crisis or having drawn from the deep reservoir of undeserved grace to make an unbearable situation bearable, you have reason for hope.   

“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be done unto you” (Mark 11: 24-25).

Prayer is indeed powerful and made even stronger through the expectancy of the believer that God will truly answer prayer. Making space for God, or “vacare deo”, is the Carmelite way of opening our lives to the will of God, supercharging prayer as a response to God’s love, making way for miracles to flow. This may seem to be far-fetched, particularly to the more tepid believer who holds on the inadequacy of their efforts as a reason to doubt God’s response to prayer. Yes, there will be challenges and setbacks, but the believer who has been transformed to the will of God and picks up a daily cross out of love for Christ, who saved us, can’t help but be blessed.   

“Go out into the world and preach the gospel to all nations” (Mark 14: 16).

Having found a more sustainable level of peace and joy in our lives, we are compelled to share this good news with our neighbor. Encouraging others to find respite through the surrendering of wills to God’s, is a special grace to the person who receives and believes. Jesus gave His life that we might live without fear of death or damnation, and this new life is meant to be lived to the fullest, with an absence of the heaviness of anxiety or depression.  Life is good – let’s spread the word – today!    

Have a Blessed Day!

Joe