The College of Christ

According to Charles Spurgeon:

There are no prerequisites necessary in order to enter into Christ’s college. He takes fools, and makes them know the wonders of his dying love!

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things….. so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29, “Praise Thy God, O Zion” No. 678)

Trouble with Anxiety?

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:5-6 ESV)

Most of us have suffered from anxiety at one time or another. I can truly say from experience that anxiety has never helped solve any problem I have encountered and, most of the time, my anxieties were eventually proved wrong. Uncontrolled anxiety is counterproductive. It is like playing the same song in your head over and over and takes great will-power to stop the loop of negative thoughts.

Anxiety is unreasonable when it is distress over what is going to happen next. A little anxiety may be a positive thing, but what I am talking about here is overwhelming anxiety. Overwhelming anxiety produces insecurity, a sense of isolation, and a feeling of helplessness. It is a form of fear.

A Christian may feel very insecure, but in reality he is very secure. “Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” (Proverbs 3:25-26 ESV) A Christian may feel helpless, but in reality he has great help. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 ESV) Even though the Christian may feel isolated, the reality is that God is always at his side. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 ESV) The real remedy for anxiety is complete trust and confidence in God’s ability to deal with anything that threatens us. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV) God has promised peace of mind to those who are willing to commit their anxieties to Him. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

My prescription for overly anxious people and myself – when I catch myself in this mode of thinking – is to commit your all to the Lord and ask that His Will may be done in you and through you. Secondly, commit yourself to Scripture study, especially the Psalms in time of trouble, and pray.

Remember that peace of mind does not depend on solving all the problems in the world. There are problems that we simply cannot fix. Trust God and resolve to persevere through troubled times. Things are never going to be absolutely perfect for us this side of the Kingdom of God, but any problem is easier to face with God.