Soul Rhythms: Trust
What if you could take a step today to grow in trust and experience greater peace in your life? Trusting God and managing anxiety are vital rhythms for a healthy soul, and they offer hope and strength for navigating life’s challenges.
Psalm 25 declares, “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. My hope is in you all day long.” Trust, at its core, is belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something. It shapes our decisions, words, and actions. Anxiety, on the other hand, often stems from potential threats rather than real ones, and it can disrupt our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is not the same as fear. Fear is a natural response to an immediate, real danger—it activates our fight, flight, or freeze system, which can save lives. Anxiety, however, arises from perceived or potential threats and can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure. While some anxiety can help prepare us for challenges, disordered anxiety creates excessive emotional responses that hinder our quality of life.
Recent studies highlight the growing prevalence of anxiety, both nationally and locally. The problem has been exacerbated by shifts in technology, parenting trends, and cultural pressures. Key contributors include sleep deprivation, social isolation, fragmented attention, and addiction to virtual platforms. These factors underscore the importance of addressing anxiety holistically.
Casting Anxiety on God
The message of 1 Peter 5:6-10 offers a powerful response to anxiety:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This passage provides practical and spiritual wisdom:
Humble Yourself: Anxiety often stems from trying to control what is beyond our power. Trusting God requires humility, recognizing that his strength is greater than our own.
Cast Your Anxiety on God: The act of “casting” means intentionally giving your worries to God. It’s a deliberate choice to trust in his care, knowing that he is both able and willing to help.
Be Alert and Sober-Minded: Anxiety can distract us, but staying spiritually alert helps us resist the enemy’s lies.
Stand Firm in Faith: Community is essential. Knowing others share in similar struggles reminds us that we are not alone.
Practical Steps to Trust and Peace
Building trust in God and managing anxiety involves both spiritual practices and practical habits:
Spiritual Practices: Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and community. The rhythms of worship and connection with others are proven to lower anxiety.
Healthy Habits: Exercise, a nutritious diet, time outdoors, and expressing gratitude can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself, shows how consistent habits can reshape our thinking and responses. By forming intentional rhythms of trust, we can train our minds to respond to challenges with faith rather than fear.
A Rhythm for the Week
Here’s a practical rhythm to follow:
Breathe: Take intentional, deep breaths to calm your body and focus your mind.
Examine: Reflect on your relationship with God. Where do you need to trust him more?
Confess: Acknowledge areas of pride or fear and seek God’s grace.
Journal your worries each day and bring them to God in prayer. Declare the truth of Psalm 25 over your life: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. My hope is in you all day long.”
The Hope of the Gospel
Ultimately, the invitation to cast anxiety on God reflects the heart of the gospel. Jesus not only offers to carry our burdens but also transforms our lives with his peace and grace. Through him, we find a firm foundation to build a strong, steadfast life.
You are invited to take steps toward trust and health this week. Pursue rhythms that align your heart with God’s truth. Remember, you have permission to prioritize your well-being because you are deeply cared for by the One who made you.
“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.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Recap adapted from January 26, 2025, message by Minister Dan McClannan
