Thursday, January 30, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: John 19
A few years ago, I overheard my wife talking with our youngest son, Jax, and paused to listen. Jax was expressing his anxiety about another father at the bus stop yelling at him!
I don’t like bullies, especially adults, so I jumped into the conversation, explaining that the other father and I were going to have a misunderstanding on our way to a solution. Jax seemed confused, and Erica began laughing as she told me to relax.
Getting heated caused me to miss the most critical part of the conversation—it was a dream! If Jax’s dream had been reality, I would have quickly spun that situation out of control.
When we’re confronted with a problem, it’s not uncommon for us to respond in one of two ways. Sometimes, we become way too emotionally invested, placing more pressure on ourselves and others than is necessary. Other times, we shy away from it, trying to avoid the situation altogether.
If I had completely avoided my son’s problem, I would have let him down, but raising my energy would have been problematic for all parties. Both choices would have led to disharmony, because failure results when we lose control of our reactions.
Losing control is an indicator that we should get curious. Whether it’s our need for control, need to have all the answers, or need for approval, we must first notice our reactivity and name it so that we can diffuse* the situation, rather than chasing after those false needs, trying to solve everything on our own.
We will never find peaceful resolutions when we turn from Jesus and look for answers or distractions from worldly idols and false needs. Trying to be the answer only creates more conflict. Thankfully, God offers us a better way.
John 16:33
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Jesus promises that he has overcome the world, including the challenges that we’ll face during our time on earth. We don’t have to face them alone, and we don’t have to fall into the trap of idols and false needs that arise from our anxiety. Instead, we can direct our focus to Jesus, who offers us peace, even during our trials, and promises to lead us toward his perfect plan.
*From Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss.
Questions:
Where is your focus during times of difficulty?
What idols/false needs do you create?
Where have you found peace?
Next Steps:
Compare the times that you reacted poorly in a situation to the times you trusted God to lead you. Journal about a time when you stopped being afraid, and instead, let other people in to help.
Begin naming your idols/false needs. Mention those needs in your prayers and ask God to replace them. If you notice a problem, pray and ask a friend, pastor, or mentor for help stepping forward.
Prayer:
Lord, I so often fail because I continue to think I’m stronger than I actually am. Continue to show me why I need your love and that of my Christian brothers and sisters. I ask for guidance and wisdom as I embrace and endure new challenges by placing my heart and worries in your hands first. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.