Annoying Second Cousins

One of my sons was hired by a local grocery store chain. He came home last night and told me the new restrictions being implemented at the store because of COVID-19.

After listening to him, I got anxious and frustrated. I went to bed with those two emotions swirling in my head and poking at my heart. I woke up with them. They were like the bad taste morning breath produces.

Anxiety and frustration. They are becoming common feelings. They remind me of backward thinking, poorly educated, second cousins that show up at the family gathering. Everyone is having a decent time until they pop in with all their obnoxious comments and attention grabbing behaviors. People from Alabama always have second cousins like this. I’m sure it happens in other states.

The question is, “How do you get rid of them?” I’m talking about the emotions not your second cousins.

For me, I turn to God’s Word and lean on the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father. As I was reading this morning, I came across this verse:

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (Psalm16:8)

I do know the Lord is ALWAYS with me. How do I know this? How can you know it?

The simple answer is…because he said so. It is a promise he made to everyone who calls upon his name through Jesus Christ. You and I can take God at his word. He is trustworthy. He is with us…right now! It does not matter how anxious or frustrated we might feel. He is still with us.

His presence with me is easier to accept than the next part: I will not be shaken. Truthfully, on any given day I can feel shaken. Fortunately, this verse is not talking about an individual day. It is talking about my future. Because God is with me, my future is bright.

When Jesus is your friend, the future is also your friend. Our moments of anxiety and frustration will push back against this reality, because anxiety and frustration can not see what the future holds. They can only see fear; and fear exists to drown faith.

We serve a living God who keeps his promises and holds the future. He is with you. Your future is secure. Do not be shaken.

Here is a song I’ve found encouraging and fun. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d17hi1s6Tgg