Second Will Be First
An Anxious Mind – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  John 14:2-14

Key Verse: John 14:1

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

An anxious mind is caused by anxious thoughts.  Anxious thoughts are suggested to us by the enemy of our souls.  The Word of God suggests thoughts to us as well; thoughts of peace and comfort.  Here is the battlefield for every Christ follower, every day: What thoughts will you allow to be prevalent in your day?  God will not make you a robot, forcing you to trust in His thoughts.  We are free moral agents, able to choose.  This is a gift from God Himself.  But that gift of choice is a responsibility.  We can’t blame God for our anxious thoughts.  It is not really accurate to blame the devil either.  Yes, the devil suggests these thoughts to us, but each of us is able to reject or accept them.

            What thoughts will you allow to “camp out” in your mind today?  We are victims of bad thoughts being suggested to us.  We can’t stop that process, but we are not victims when it comes to these anxious, troubling thoughts staying around long enough to steal our peace and joy!  For example, if I suggest for you to picture your mother’s face, you can do that immediately.  If I suggest that you picture her on an airplane, you can do that as well.  You can guide the thoughts of your mind.  Jesus said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.”  He knew we have that ability; we do not have to live with an anxious and distressed mind.  Trust God, trust Jesus!

Father, I will reject negative and troubling thoughts today!  I will live a life of trust, resting on your promises.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.