Let go and let god!

​Let go and let God!
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes (Matt. 6:25)? You may say, "But I can't help feeling anxious; I’ve always been a worrier!" I have heard that said countless times. My response is always the same, "Yes, you can!" Your ability to choose is part of God's gift of free will to us all. It isn't God’s desire for us to be controlled by our worries. The Lord may allow difficult situations to deepen our faith, stimulate spiritual growth, change a bad habit or attitude, but He doesn’t want us to be anxious.
We must be careful not to confuse concern with anxiety, it is normal for a Christian to care. Concern motivates us to intercede and to take godly action; it’s positive, it’s constructive and it makes us look ahead. Anxiety is the opposite; it’s negative, it’s counterproductive and it keeps us looking back. Simply said, concern motivates us to take action and anxiety paralyzes us. Concern can be accompanied by tears and deep reflection but in the end, concern leads us to make decisions. It should prompt us to trust in God and to seek His purpose and plan. Anxiety tends to be marked by uncontrollable emotions, crying, sleeplessness, nervous disorders, or endless pacing. Worry is a treadmill that tends to keep one in a state of fear and negativity.
The choice is always ours! We will occasionally be blind-sided by unsettling events like last week. At those times it's normal to react emotionally. But as God's children, we should not remain in that condition for long. Instead of falling into a downward spiral of anxiety over our circumstances, the healthier response is to pray. "Dear Lord, I lay my problems at your feet. This situation is beyond my control and I feel helpless. Lord, you alone have the power to change my circumstances. I know You love me and whatever You have planned for my good. Dear Heavenly Father, show me how to respond! In faith, I look forward to seeing how You will reveal Your love, wisdom, and power." My dear brothers and sisters, this is the way to find peace and freedom from paralyzing anxiety in this life. So, let go and let God!  
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg+

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