With All Your HeartSample

Day Three

King Anxiety

Scripture: Matthew 6:25–34; Galatians 4:6; Philippians 4:6

We each have individual tendencies toward specific allegiances other than Christ, such as escape, control, self-sufficiency, and a desire for belonging that leads to envy. These allegiances tell us lies about God and keep us from living a full life.

Anxiety is a particular temptation for me.

Anxiety is a temptation of attentiveness, consuming attentiveness. It seeks to fill our minds with thoughts and emotions that do not allow us the space or energy to focus on what is actually worthy of our mind’s attention and heart’s affection, which is why attentiveness is another word for allegiance. Anxiety is a false king that demands our constant attention, and therefore our heart’s undivided allegiance. 

This king demands allegiance to a fear of the future. King Anxiety, on repeat, asks, “What if ?” and “How are you going to do this?” and then points to all the circumstantial evidence for uncertainty and hopelessness. 

The lie of anxiety is that God is not capable of all-presence but we ourselves are; that God won’t provide but we can provide for ourselves. Anxiety feels like the pressure it is because we willfully attempt to take on the weight and responsibility of being God. Anxiety is, as most of our false kings are, an allegiance to self. 

I want you to picture anxiety in your mind as an actual wooden statue sitting in a prevalent place in your home. How much of your day are you spending at the feet of this king? How much does it get of your time, energy, and best resources? How is it limiting your love and faithfulness to the one true King? 

In Matthew 6, Jesus doesn’t slap our wrist and say, “Just don’t think about those things.” He wants us to consider that life as it’s intended under His rule and reign is not about physical and tangible things we put on or in our body. Jesus is telling us that our soul is required of us, so we should seek the kingdom. He points to what matters as if to say, “Be attentive here instead.” 

What is God asking you to be attentive to today?