MPC LENTEN DEVOTIONS

Over the past two years, all around the world, we have experienced troubling and tumultuous times. With COVID-19 raging and uprooting our way of life, racial disharmony, and political divisions that threaten our democracy, many of us have felt lost, stressed out, angry, anxious, and more. The valley experiences have been relentless.  We’ve lost friends and family members to the lethal effects of COVID.   Unfamiliar terms, like comorbidity, have become too familiar and facial masks a mandatory necessity. If this weren’t enough, the more common challenges of life have increased – financial difficulties, racial inequality, broken relationships, substance abuse, joblessness, loneliness, mental illness and more.   Our anxiety levels are through the roof and often debilitating.    

Yet, when we turn to the word of God, we can find peace in the valley.  Several biblical passages speak directly to dealing with anxiety.  One of my favorites is found in Matthew chapter 6, where Jesus asks one simple question, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matt. 6:27).  Simply answering “no” seems too easy.  However, pondering this rhetorical question, provides peace by pointing out the futility of worry.  Additionally, Paul instructs us, “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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)