“Do not meditate on the mess. You gain nothing by setting your eyes on your problem. You gain everything by setting your eyes on the Lord.”- Max Lucado
“God . . . is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters.”- 1 Timothy 6:25 (Phillips)
Max Lucado continues Chapter 11 of Anxious for Nothing as he delves into his acronym C. A. L. M. In today’s blog, Pastor Lucado covers the letters C and A.
1. Celebrate God’s goodness. First, turn your attention away from the problem. Then, for a few minutes, celebrate God. For the more you obsess on your trouble, the more you stare at it, the bigger your problem grows. In contrast, the more you look to God, your problem quickly reduces to the proper size.
Therefore, don’t meditate on the mess. Fixing your eyes on the problem gains you nothing. However, you gain everything when you set your eyes on the Lord. If, like Peter, you’re sinking because your gazed at the wind and the waves, you’re looking in the wrong direction.
Since God sustains and controls all, He possesses authority over the situation you face. And in His mercy, God’s grace envelops your sin. As a result, rejoice in the Lord. But don’t hurry past this first step. Before you face your problem, face God. That, in turn, readies you to ask God for help.
2. Ask God for help. Since, Max states, “fear triggers either despair or prayer,” the author cautions us to choose wisely. Consequently, when anxiety knocks on your door, Pastor Lucado urges, ask if Jesus would mind answering the door!
In addition, reduce your request to a single statement. Furthermore, engage in specific and promise-based prayer.
Today’s question: Under what circumstances do you tend to meditate on the mess? Please share.
Coming Monday: the annotated bibliography of Anxious for Nothing
Tomorrow’s blog: “Life still gives lemons”
