A Restless Heart

Internal chatter, Questions burning, Accusing, disarming Frantic thoughts, churning. So many whats, Numerous whys, Unsolved problems, Whispered lies. A restless heart, Needing space, My soul searches For a quiet place. In the stillness, I cling to Your Word, Pouring out my heart, My prayer is heard. Your gentle presence is close to me, You are my strength, my serenity. • Cindy Lee • Have you experienced an overwhelming restlessness like the narrator? If so, what strategy, if any, did you use to calm down? • Read 1 Peter 5:7 and Hebrews 4:14-16. Why can we bring any fear before Jesus? • Write a list of people you trust who you can talk to and ask for help or prayer when you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety—such as pastors, parents, counselors, or teachers. • If you’re struggling with anxiety and aren’t sure who to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. • We live in a world broken by sin and its effects. Anxiety can be a lifelong struggle for some people. It’s important to note that worry and clinical anxiety are different issues. Clinical anxiety is a mental health issue. Worry is a non-medical issue. As we face the battles of worry and anxiety, we can know that, in Christ, we are never alone and have peace with God (Matthew 28:20; Romans 5:1). As children of God, worry and anxiety don’t define us—Jesus does. We can also know that worry and anxiety won’t have the last word because Jesus died and rose again to beat sin and its effects— including worry and anxiety—and will one day return to make all things new, freeing His people forever from the presence of sin and its effects (Revelation 21:1-5). God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 41:9-10