25 September | Teens
«“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly….For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.» Luke 21: 34,35
Have you ever found yourself worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet? This is called anxiety. The word ‘anxiety’ comes from Latin and means “anguish,” “disturbance” and even “suffocation!” And isn't that how we feel? Suffocated? Anxiety can make us suffer in anticipation, and Jesus knew this very well. In Luke 21, He advises us: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.”
Jesus is teaching us to live in the present without getting lost in unnecessary worries. He wants us to be attentive and prepared for His return, but without the anxiety that paralyzes us. Preparing for Jesus' return should be a journey of faith and hope, not fear and anxiety.
Anxiety can distract us from what really matters. Worrying excessively about things in this life starts when we want to control everything. The problem is that this is impossible! There are things that happen to us that we can't control! That's why Jesus reminds us that we should live each day with joy and trust in God, waiting and preparing for His return rather than worrying about anything else.
Take Action
To combat anxiety and live with more hope, practice gratitude every day. Every day, write down or say out loud three things you are grateful for. This can help you focus on the present and trust God more.