August 15 | 1 Peter 5:6-7

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DAILY READING

1 Peter 5:6-7

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REFLECTION

Let Him Do the Heavy Lifting

By Jennifer Jerrome

Twenty-eight years ago, I started working on my master’s degree in counseling. Last month, my daughter graduated with her MSW (Master of Social Work) from the same university. So proud!

Students in both professions are taught to walk with others through their worries and fears, but what happens when that anxiety is your own?

There are two things to know about me in relation to this devotion…

1.       I’ve had anxiety as long as I can remember.

2.       I’ve been a Christian for that same length of time.

If this is the case, then shouldn’t God have taken care of the anxious parts of my life?

He has cared for them, but not taken care of, i.e., fixed them like I’ve so desperately wanted. I know he’s always with me, but there have been plenty of times my humanness has prevailed, and anxiety has taken control.

Over the past five years, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I react mentally and physically to anxiety. My thoughts race along with my heart and my muscles tense making it hard to be carried like the child of God I am.

But what about spiritually? How has my spiritual formation been affected by anxiety? Have I learned to cast it all on Him like Peter directs?

I’ve been working on my percentages - 50%, 75%...I haven’t hit 100% but I’m asking God to help me get there. Will I ever be truly free? Probably not until my last breath.

So, does this make my faith small and weak?

I’ve wondered about this and packed shame and guilt on top of the anxiety that’s already weighing me down. I fight against God trying to carry me out of the pit.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

Out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock

And gave me a firm place to stand (Psalm 40:2).

I want to show the same empathy and compassion I would give any client I’ve worked with. I want nothing more than to get out of my own way and let God do the heavy lifting.

Anxiety is real. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but anxiety doesn’t have to diminish faith. More often, it forces us to cling to Him even harder.

PRAYER

Father, today I stand here a humble servant. Please allow your mighty hand to lift me up. May I learn to cast all my anxiety on you because you care for me and want nothing more than for me to rest in your peace. Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.