Anxiety is a Thief

Lately, there has been so much heavy news — deaths, sickness, diagnoses, and schedules that never seem to slow down. In the middle of all the turmoil, the Lord kept bringing to my mind Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25–34 where He speaks about anxiety and worth in the eyes of God. Jesus says that even the birds and the plants are cared for, fed and clothed. All of their needs are met and we are more precious than all of creation in the eyes of the Creator. He tells us not to be anxious because our Father knows our needs and will provide for us.

But most of us live in constant stress and anxiety. We’re busy with school, work, and responsibilities that keep piling up. And on top of the everyday burdens, we face the unexpected: the passing of loved ones, medical diagnoses, unanswered questions, and the emotional weight of other people’s sorrows. If Christ commands us to cast our anxieties on Him, how do we actually do that?

Scripture teaches that suffering is not meaningless — it is one of the ways Christ is glorified in His people. Our church has been studying the theme of joy on Sunday mornings, and one key truth we’ve learned is this: joy does not always mean happiness.

In Philippians 4:10–13, Paul writes;

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (ESV)

He has learned to be content in all circumstances and he rejoices even while suffering. When he wrote those words, he was in prison facing persecution and possibly death. Yet he declares in verse 13 that it is Christ who gives him strength to endure.

The joy of a believer is not rooted in comfort, ease, or positive emotions — it is rooted in hope. Because Christ is our strength, we can choose to be joyful in our sufferings and cling to Him, seeking how we may serve Him even in painful seasons. To follow Christ means we will suffer with Him, because the world still rejects Him. Yet like Paul, we can learn contentment by casting our cares upon Christ and finding joy in His sustaining strength.

Peter reminds believers of how we do this in 1 Peter 5:6–8:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)

Casting our anxieties on Christ requires humility — admitting that we are not in control and cannot carry our own burdens. It also requires watchfulness, because the Enemy looks for vulnerable moments to attack us — through relationships, circumstances, fears, and the unknown.

Paul also writes in Philippians 1:29–30 that it has been granted to believers not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His sake. Suffering for Christ is not a punishment — it is a gift. It aligns us with Him and testifies to the world where our hope is found.

As we walk through this season — whatever trials, griefs, or anxieties you may be facing — remember that Christ cares for you. He tells us to cast our anxieties on Him, not because He wants us to pretend everything is fine, but because He alone is strong enough to carry the weight.

Let us choose to find joy in Him, to stand firm against the Enemy, and to remember that contentment is possible even when happiness is not — because Christ is our strength.