Lesson 28: God’s Gospel Love Overcomes Anxiety

Carnell writes, "In my life I have experience with all three anxiety, fear, and worry. I tend to worry about things clearly out of my control. Sometimes I am too anxious about something and I have fear because I am unsure of the outcome."

Carnell writes, "This video packed alot of information to digest. He really dissected Phillippians 4:4-7. In verse 4 the Word tells us to rejoice always and it says it a second time. That tells me that their os always a reason to rejoice. Even when times are bad still rejoice. This passage also talks about being to anxious. I have fear anxiety and worry and I am still learning how to transfer all of my burdens to God. He stated in the video to stop complaining to God and start praying. He also talked about God's perfect love. The bible says True love casts out fear. I let my fears, worry, anxiety debilitate me and it keeps me from progressing. I realize now that I have forgotten about God's true perfect love for me. It was also stated that God is a Father. Sometimes I forget that God is my Father. I guess sometimes I look at God as this military officer who just gives commandments and I get frustrated at times when I don't hear from Him or don't know what he wants me to do. Mr Driscoll mentioned in the video sometimes God is waiting on us to tell Him what we want because He is your Father and He wants a intimate relationship with His child (me)."

Let's say you become anxious and fearful. Maybe your child has fallen in their grades, or your elderly parent’s health is declining, or you have an important presentation at work or college coming up. Something that in the past would have driven you to worrying and your thoughts becoming consumed with it.

But now, you've come to understand that your old self died with Christ on the cross. The old you that went straight to dwelling on the struggle for hours or days, has been crucified with Christ and no longer lives (Galatians 2:20). The old you that would have become exhausted with fretting yourself is now dead to self and alive to Christ. Your loving Father knows your heart already, He cares and will provide for your needs.

So you take your worries to the cross and pour them out at Jesus' feet. You learn to "cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7), rather than dwelling on them in your mind! As you meet Jesus there at the cross your spirit is calmed, your heart is soothed and loved, and you are able to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). He is saying clearly to you “Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Do you see the value of the cross here? Jesus died for you, but your old self that gets worked up and stewed over problems was nailed to a tree and buried in a tomb. The new you, the resurrected you does not respond like the old dead you did. Do you see it?