Yesterday I was reading and writing about life. Somehow I ended up reading in 1 Peter 5 (Well, I know how. I was reading verses on humility. Don't ask me why.)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
As I was soaking up those words it struck me as interesting that in one train of thought we are encouraged to be humble and then instructed to not worry. And I thought to myself, what is the connection between humility and worry?
And then, my friends, the floodgates of understanding opened and I saw the direct cause and effect relationship between our pride and our anxiety. When we feel like it is our giftedness, or our worthiness, or our glory that gives our life meaning, we have a lot to worry about. Because when our sense of worth comes from within it also means that our worth is ours to lose. Suddenly it really matters what others think of me. It matters how I'm dressed and what kind of car I drive. Suddenly I'm in a tornado of anxiety about maintaining my status because it depends on me.
But when we humble ourselves; when our worth comes from Christ, and Christ alone - well, then we don't have much to worry about, do we? It doesn't matter what I have or what others think of me. My destiny is secure and my identity is complete. I have nothing to fear and no reason to worry when I humbly lay myself at the foot of the cross.
So next time you find yourself suffering from a little anxiety about a particular situation, ask yourself this: Am I trusting myself and my own resources to see me through? Am I arrogantly assuming that it is up to me to figure this out?
When we humble ourselves we lay down our expectations for what life should be and accept the calling that God has placed on us. And as difficult as it might seem to get to that point, I can promise you that once you're there you will see that ultimately there is no greater way to live.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
I am praying that as I lay myself before the foot of the cross, trusting completely in the yoke of my Savior, that His peace would overwhelm me. I am praying the same for you. . . Come to Him and lay your expectations and anxieties at His feet.
You will not be disappointed.
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