How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 19

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How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” - John 14:1 NIV

As someone with a long history of anxiety, I used to feel guilt and condemnation when I read today’s verse and others like it. I knew Scripture told me, in numerous places, not to fear. I understood the importance of “taking my thoughts captive. I also recognized that I’d remain stuck in my overwhelm and whatever habitual battle I faced unless I allowed the Lord to transform me as I intentionally renewed my mind with God’s unchanging truth.

Yet, I consistently found myself enslaved to my spinning anxious thoughts that felt far too strong to counter or correct. My problem was two-fold. First, I expected instant healing and freedom. I thought if I said the right prayers, memorized enough Scripture, and chose to yield my circumstances to Christ, bam! He’d instantly erase all the lies and doubts fueling my fears and flood my brain and soul with His promises—which, of course, would stick, indefinitely. Second, I misread Jesus’ invitation to trust as a harsh command that brought Him frustration when not lived out.

But our Savior is gentle and humble in heart and longs to provide rest, not guilt and shame, to our souls (Matthew 11:28). When I read John 14 through that lens, I see Christ’s words as tender reassurance spoken from a place of compassionate awareness that fearful times lie ahead.

The context of today’s verse supports this. If you’re familiar with the events surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, you might recognize the circumstances surrounding His words. On the night before His death, He gathered His disciples in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. During this sacred meal, He predicted several unsettling things: He’d soon leave, and they couldn’t come. One of them would betray Him, they’d all abandon Him in His most painful moment, and Peter would deny three times that he even knew Him.

But notice how Jesus bookended this difficult information. He began the chapter with today’s verse, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled but instead to trust in Him. Then, in verse 27, He repeated this with additional details when He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Peace. Biblically speaking, this word, eiréné in the original Greek, goes deeper than emotional tranquility. It signifies wholeness, well-being, and things as they should be. And notice, this soul-state comes from Him, not our frantic efforts to change or heal ourselves. Yes, we must do our part by consistently turning to Him through prayer, Bible reading, silent meditation, and practicing other spiritual disciplines. Scripture also encourages us to learn how to rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit more consistently and to do our best to obey, however He leads. Sometimes, this requires prayerfully considering ways we might be actively blocking or hindering our ability to receive Christ’s peace.

Notice the phrasing in Colossians 3:15:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (NIV, emphasis mine).

This seems to indicate that we already possess His peace but haven’t given it full reign for some reason. Perhaps we’re held captive to an addiction that leads to regretful behavior and damaged relationships, and the inner angst both scenarios create. Or, maybe we’re spending far more time reading fear-mongering clickbait articles than we are on the truth. Or we might feel reluctant to take medication that our brain needs to function optimally.

Most, if not all, of us also tend to experience some degree of self-deception. Because of this, I’ve found it helpful to pray Psalm 139:23-24, which reads:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting (NIV).

The New American Standard Bible phrases the last line in this passage this way:

… see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

Understand, I don’t pray this from a place of guilt or shame. Rather, I’m asking the One who knows me better than I know myself and sees the most hidden places in my soul to reveal those things within me that hinder my freedom. This is a request He loves to answer because it positions me for the deep transformation I need to experience the “beyond-expectations” thriving life He promised in John 10:10.

Because only the Prince of Peace holds the power to calm and strengthen my wounded and fearful soul. He longs to do the same for you.

The more you connect with, listen to, learn from, and follow Him, the easier it becomes to “believe in Him,” as today’s verse invites you to do. And the more we believe in Him—trusting His power, promises, and heart—the greater our peace.  

Further Reading:
Philippians 4:6-8
1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 4:8

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Marsell Gorska Gautier 

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.

She’s passionate about helping people experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Finding Peace in Anxious Thoughts

I don't know what intrusive thoughts, anxious thoughts, or what war is going on in your mind today, but I want you to know that the peace of God is possible in your life! In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and I discuss how to navigate an anxious mind and find true peace of mind. We explore strategies for dealing with overthinking and stress and anxiety, reminding you that finding peace is within reach! Like what you hear? follow Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!