Will you fret or rest?
When I was a 12-year-old eighth-grader enjoying my class trip to Six Flags Darien Lake just outside of Buffalo, NY, my friends cajoled me into riding the Predator, a wooden roller coaster at the amusement park. I had never ridden a roller coaster before and was very frightened.
“It won’t be that bad. Don’t be scared,” my schoolmates said, as they all teamed up to encourage and convince me to try something new.
“I’ll sit next to you. I’ve been on this roller coaster before, and I’m not scared at all,” said one of the girls with us.
I agreed reluctantly, and I stood in the long line getting more nervous as my turn to ride drew closer. After what felt like forever standing in the hot sun, my friends and I were buckled in and on our way. Once the ride started, all I could think about was wanting to get off. But it was too late. The roller coaster accelerated. The wind blew in my face and took my breath away. My friends and I screamed as we jerked and rocked back and forth through twists and turns.
Then came that slow and steady ascension to the top of the roller coaster. I knew we would be dropped from 95 feet in the air. Talk about dread! During the climb, fear mounted. I shuddered at what was coming next. And then, the release. Whoosh! Down we went. I screamed and closed my eyes.
Within seconds, it was over. I opened my eyes, feeling confused. That was it? That’s what I was afraid of? I thought. After all that buildup, the Predator wasn’t so scary after all. The fear of the twists, turns and dips was far worse than the actual twists, turns and dips. Go figure.
Have you ever worked yourself up over something and expected the worst only for things not to be as bad as you thought? Sometimes, you can actually torment yourself with fear of the worst without realizing that you have created a monster that only exists in your head. The anxiety you feel over the uncertainty of your future and the negative possibilities ahead, many times, is worse than the reality of your situation.
“Why worry? Why fret? God has already promised to make the way; open the door; heal you; increase you; make all things new; and do abundantly above all you can ask or think. Rest. Don’t fret!”
Unlike Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, whose sense of dread was justified ahead of his horrific crucifixion (Luke 22:44), we tend to fret over lesser things. Unfortunately, we lose sight of the fact that all Christ suffered and endured on the cross makes it possible for us to lay our cares at His feet, and trust Him to take care of every one of our issues.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV gives us the recipe for casting our cares upon the Lord, resting in Him and experiencing peace. It says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Greek word “anxious” in Philippians 4:6 is “merimnaw” (pronounced mer-im-nah'-o), and that means to be troubled with cares or anxious.
Although life is a roller coaster ride with sharp twists, turns and drops, you don’t have to be troubled, vexed, worried or in a constant state of disappointment. You can hand over all your cares to the One who hung on the cross to take away your iniquities, reconcile you back to God, and give you access to the throne of grace, where you can obtain help and favor in your time of need, according to Hebrews 4:16.
Today God is asking, why are you so worried? Why are you fearful? Don’t you know I paid the price for you to have peace and joy? Aren’t you aware that I will take care of you? Don’t you believe My word?
It is time to make a decision right now. Will you choose faith or fear? Will you doubt or believe God? Will you fret or rest? Will you be anxious about everything or anxious about nothing? God has already given you the gift of peace through His son (John 14:27), but you have to receive it.
Perhaps life has felt like the Predator lately, tossing you back and forth and causing you to feel like prey, hunted by trouble. That’s alright. As long as you resist anxiety, and walk by faith, after this test is over, you’ll open your eyes and think, what was I so worried about in the first place?
To help you trust God in turbulent times, I’m stirring a portion of Matthew 8:26 ESV into your cup of inspiration where Jesus said, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, remember that the same Jesus who calmed the stormy seas and boisterous winds has that same power today. Give every worry and care to Him, and you’ll experience serenity, victory and rest in every season.
Will you fret or rest? It’s up to you.
Now let’s pray.
God, I have been going through some hard things. Trouble has been persistent, and life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. As I experience turbulence, thank You for reminding me that You are my peace, my joy, my stability, and my deliverer. And Your son already paid for my victory with His blood. Help me to rest in You and expect You to work things out for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
