It's a common belief and teaching within the Western Church that the passages about not worrying, not being afraid, are commands to never be anxious or worry. That if we do, we are sinful and should repent for those responses to events and wonderings.

But this is not the case. Framed as gentle admonishing, or kind reassurances, it is like a parent saying, "Hey, don't worry, it's going to be okay, see all of these creatures and plants that want of nothing? Aren't you loved even more than they are? It'll be okay." This doesn't mean we don't worry or feel anxiety. It's a natural response as humans, and keeps us safe in many instances. Instead of dwelling in that anxiety, and that creating even more anxiety, we can ride the wave of anxious feelings, and acknowledge them for what they are.

So what can we do to ride that wave? Well, a great place to start is to practice daily gratitude. It will likely start simply, seeing a list of basic things and the more obvious people in our lives. But as we practice gratitude every day, and don't repeat the same list, we find ourselves picking out new, specific things to be grateful for. It creates a grounding place for us to return to in those most anxious moments.

Speaker: Jason Stark

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Matthew 6:25-34

Philippians 4:6-7