Anxiety has no place in our life

SAD to say, there is an increasing number of cases of

anxiety all over the world. More and more people seem unable to handle

the pressures and the problems in life, and some of them have plunged

to the extreme situations of losing their mind and committing suicide.

            It’s sad because in the first place anxiety and all forms

of undue worries and fear really have no place in our life. The whole

problem, of course, stems from the fact that many people do not

anymore have a living relation with God who assures us with all the

security we can have even in our worst conditions.

            How many assurances have we received from Christ himself

as recorded in the gospel and yet we still manage to fall into useless

and destructive anxieties and fears! To mention a few, we have the

following:

            “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I

have overcome the world.” (Jn 16,33)

            “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink;

or about your body, what you will wear…But seek first his kingdom and

his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

(Mt 6,25.33)

            “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I

will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am

gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

(Mt 11,28-29)

            “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. I do not give to

you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not

be afraid.” (Jn 14,27)

            St. Paul reiterates the same idea in many instances. To

cite one, he said:

            “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to

God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will

guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4,6-7)

            We have to learn to let go of our own estimation of

things, and while always asking for God’s grace and making our due

effort, let us conform our mind and heart to the reassuring words of

Christ. God is always in control. His providence is always wise and

can draw good even from the evil that we can find ourselves in.

            It’s important that we be rid of anxieties, worries and

fears so that we can give our full attention to what we are supposed

to do, that is, to do a lot of good out of love for God and for

everybody else. These anxieties do not help us any. They only make

things worse.

            We have to remember that Christ has already resolved

everything for us, including death and all the other problems that we

have and that do not have anymore human solutions.

            In many instances in the gospel, Christ told his disciples

not to be afraid of him when he made some mysterious appearances to

them as when he walked on water (cfr Mt 14,22-33) or when he appeared

to them after his resurrection.

            This is the hurdle we have to overcome. Christ always

intervenes in our life, either in a hidden way or quite openly. In any

case, we should be certain of this truth, and act accordingly. Let us

not be afraid of him. He is the one who will conquer all our

anxieties, worries and fears.

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