Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, your mind racing with thoughts of what tomorrow might bring? If so, you are not alone – many people carry unseen worries that weigh heavily on their hearts, even in moments meant for rest. Anxiety has become a silent companion for many. It whispers fears about tomorrow, magnifies today’s challenges, and convinces hearts to expect the worst. But anxiety was never meant to control our thoughts or shape our future. God calls us to live in peace, not in fear – rooted in His promises and secure in His plans. This article is an invitation to release worry, reject fearful thoughts about the future, and rediscover the peace that comes from trusting God completely. Prepare your heart to step out of anxiety and into freedom. Be blessed as you read.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). You don’t need to be afraid of the future, regardless of what challenges may come your way. I want to reassure you that God is on your side today. You don’t have to worry about what lies ahead, because your future is secure. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). This means that God has good things planned for you in advance. Therefore, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
You don’t need to feel anxious about what’s happening right now or let those anxious thoughts shape your view of the future. Instead, you can say, “Lord, I speak peace over this situation, and may that peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Amid your busy schedule and various life challenges, you can still find a sense of rest. These issues may exist, but you can still be at peace. Why? Because the peace of God serves as your shield, reminding you that everything will be okay. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus speaks to His disciples and the people, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Another version states, “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus is not suggesting that we simply lie down and take a nap. If you feel burdened and weighed down today, remember that He invites you to come to Him. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” You may wonder if there are different sources of counsel, encouragement, and advice for handling your situation. Absolutely, and I believe God can provide you with wise counsellors. The word of God tells us that wisdom is found in a multitude of counsellors. However, it’s essential to pay attention to who you surround yourself with because having the right support is crucial. If you’re feeling anxious about a burden, perhaps related to your marriage, and the enemy is trying to fill your mind with bleak visions of the future, consider the advice of a friend. If you mention your struggles with your husband and finances, and the friend responds by calling him an idiot, that’s not wise counsel. What you need are people in your life who will direct you back to the word of God and encourage you to stop whining and complaining. They should ask, “What does the word of God say? What promise are you standing on? What can you be thankful for today?” In the midst of negativity, choose to focus on something you can be grateful for. That is what a wise counsellor looks like.
" You don't need to feel anxious about what’s happening right now or let those anxious thoughts shape your view of the future. "
“Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” I’ve discovered that spending time with the Lord can take many forms. While I set aside specific moments for this, I also connect with Him throughout my day. You can find rest and seek Him anytime – it’s not limited to just the 30 minutes in the morning before you head to work or school. I believe in going to Him constantly, even during busy times. For me, this often happens between meetings. As I move from one commitment to another, I take a moment to say, “Thank you, Lord,” and I ask for wisdom and peace. It’s important for me to remember that I shouldn’t tackle the day’s responsibilities by relying solely on my own strength or abilities. As humans, it’s easy to try to conquer the day with our own talents, but the enemy is quick to whisper that we are failing. That’s why we must invite God into our daily lives and seek His rest amidst our busyness. When anxiety arises, we can remind ourselves that the peace of God is present. We can say, “Lord, I’m coming to You; I need Your wisdom right now.” My friend, you’ll find that true rest lies in your relationship with the Lord, a relationship that can permeate every part of your day.
Zephaniah 3:17 says. “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” It says the Lord God is in your midst. He is not just up there in heaven; He is right here with you. When you invited Jesus to come and live inside of you, He truly did come to dwell within you. That is amazing! He has promised, “I will never leave you; I will never forsake you.” The Scripture goes on to say that the Mighty One will save. When it refers to the Mighty One, it’s talking about Himself, not you. He will rejoice over you with gladness. God is not disappointed or frustrated with you today; instead, He feels gladness towards you. He will quiet you with His love and rejoice over you with singing. It’s wonderful to note that He will exalt over you with loud singing. While He comforts you with His love, He is also exuberantly excited about you. If God is singing over you, it signifies that He is aware of every situation you’re facing, every difficulty the enemy is trying to bring, and every question you have. He knows, “I’ve got this.” That’s why He sings over you: “Don’t worry, I am with you. My promises are for you. The cross was enough; my resurrection was enough; this Word is sufficient for you today.”
