Fallowfield United Methodist Church welcomed our new pastor, Reverend Les Hutchins, and his wife, Delores, on July 5, 2020. He offered an inspiring message on unity from John 17, where Jesus prays for his disciples and all of his followers, both then and in the future. Pastor Les emphasized the critical need for unity during these challenging times.
I can’t remember a time when Americans held such differing and passionate viewpoints. Just check out Facebook if you need proof. People’s opinions seem to dominate their thoughts and overwhelm their emotions.
Some people admire and respect President Trump; others despise him and will do all within their power to bring him down. Passionate Black Lives Matter supporters and equally vehement protestors assert their opinions.
The mask mandate comforts some; it disturbs others.
Some parents want school to resume in the fall; others think it’s safer to cyber school because of COVID-19.
Even in the Atlantic community I see a great deal of division, particularly about wearing masks. Everyone seems to have a passionate opinion in favor of or in opposition to wearing masks.
It’s becoming challenging to find safe topics these days. See, as someone who battles bipolar, I have to guard my mind against topics that cause me to spiral into depression. All the issues I’ve mentioned have the potential to do this.
That’s where God comes in. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV) I’m not so good at that sometimes. I’m really struggling with it right now. In her book, “The Game of Life and How to Play It,” Florence Scovel Shinn writes, “I cast every burden on the Christ within and I go free!”
I thought about both Peter’s and Shinn’s words last Thursday as I walked. I modified Shinn’s affirmation to apply to my own anxieties. I’m going to keep affirming this when I start to spiral with worry, which can quickly trigger a depressive episode.
God has taken care of every need I have this year, down to the tiniest detail. He’s made sure I have plenty of food, clean water, and fresh air. He’s supplied abundant sunshine and glorious walking weather. He’s kept my family and me healthy and supplied our financial needs. He even let me get a root canal during lockdown and helped me afford contact lenses, something I’ve wanted for four years.
So why am I worrying now? Because I’m flawed, I guess. I’m weakened by anxiety. Yeah; I worry too much. But it does remind me to pray and cast my anxiety on God; to cast it on the Christ within. When I do this, I go free.
If you’re struggling with anxiety because of the conflicts within our country, remember to cast your anxiety on Jesus, because he cares for you. Think of casting like casting a fishing line. Toss it as far out as you can, let the hook drop, and toss your fishing pole of worry on the ground.
Walk away free. This is my hope for you this week. Blessings!