Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary;

Luke 10:41-42

Today I have got up feeling anxious without any clear reason. I told God I needed His grace to go through this day, and then I stopped to think about the possible causes of my anxiety. I pondered many areas of my life that I believe I should improve somehow, such as: I’d better study harder if I want to get good grades at school; I should be looking for ways to overcome shortcomings in my relationships. Am I really being a good son, friend, colleague, brother, and Christian?

I have anxiety that has caused too much stress in my life, making me rush decisions before their proper time, overthink about my fear of the future, stealing the peace of just being aware of this present time but causing me to believe that I should be doing better, acting better, feeling better, and accomplishing many great things just at the age of 18. It’s weird because some people have this sense of being behind in life (including myself), having a sense of over-responsibility going on within them and causing them guilt if they don’t reach their high standards.

Whenever I find myself stuck in the trap of overthinking about fears, feelings, emotions, or situations, I need to remind myself of this Bible passage:

Luke 10:38-42

Martha and Mary

³⁸ Now as they went on their way, Jesus^[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary.^[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Indeed, one of my favorite verses because it’s bluntly clear that Jesus doesn’t want us troubled and anxious about many things. Jesus promises us that He will be with us in the midst of our pain! Whatever is heavy in your heart right now, surrender it to God. Whenever you need someone to talk to about your life, go to Jesus because He understands you better than anyone. If you think that no one knows about this deep sorrow of yours, I want to remind you that Jesus Himself experienced the worst pain for our sake and for His glory.

Matthew 6:25-34

³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Dear Reader, I want to encourage you to put your trust in God no matter what happens. I do not know what you might have already gone through in life, but I want to remind you that Jesus is healing for our traumas, also. I just clarify one thing to you, which is: Healing is a process that takes time; meanwhile, God will sustain you with everything you need the most.

Fear of what might happen is absolutely something that we need give to Jesus, because if he says that we can cast our anxieties because he cares for us, he has good plans for our lives, and much more amazing promises for us Christians. And the most powerful promise for our eternity is this:

John 16:20-22

²⁰ Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. ²¹ When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. ²² So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

TAKE A TIME WITH GOD…