Every week we recommend at least five things to help you on your christian walk. On our list is something to watch, to listen to, to read, a bible verse and something to do or a habit to pick up. Here is this week’s list and the focus is on overcoming anxiety and worry
To Watch
This week the video to watch is a sermon by Stephen Furtick called ‘This Is Not Working’. Stephen Furtick is the pastor at Elevation Church in America. This man has a gift of preaching the word in a way that makes it easy to comprehend without compromising the truth for entertainment. In this particular sermon he talks about being honest with ourselves to admit when something is not working and to be brave enough to move into what God is calling us. I hope it blesses you.
To Listen
Shingirayi – Born Again
Shingirayi, formerly Known as Mau Mau, is a Zimbabwean Christian rapper who is passionate about sharing the gospel through this artform. His album Born again is an encouraging testimony of the work God has done in his life. It will inspire and challenge you as he also tackles issues that many Christians and Africans wrestle with. It’s a well-produced album that will go down as a Christian hip hop classic. Have a listen using the link below
To Read
Give Your Anxious Mind a Rest: Letter to My 30-Year-Old Self
In this life sometimes we find ourselves boggled by our circumstances and the uncertainty of the future. This tends to come with a lot of anxiety that robs us of the peace that Jesus sacrificed to give us. Adrien Segal addresses this very issue in this very insightful letter to her younger self. I’m sure it will give you some insight on how to overcome anxious thoughts and hang on to the peace that Jesus gives.
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/give-your-anxious-mind-a-rest
To Do
Unplug
Today we live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by information be it social media, movies and or even books. Everything is now easily accessible on the go with the rise of mobile technology. You don’t have be in an internet café anymore to get access the world’s largest information resource. This has come with both its advantages and disadvantages. We can now access a lot of information but it seems more and more we are forgetting how to regulate. We can’t have a meal properly if we are not watching something, we can’t go anywhere without our headphones and God forbid well die if we had to go an hour without our phones. This is highly concerning. Our phones and access to the virtual world can become an idol that replaces God and real life relationships if we are not careful. So here are a few tips to prevent this from happening.
- Put your bible (physical bible) next to your pillow instead of your phone. When you wake up read you bible first instead of checking your phone for new messages. Keep your phone in the closet overnight
- Make it a rule, no phones during meal times. This will allow you to spend more time connecting with fam, friend or colleagues (real people) during those times without distractions
- Schedule time for social media. Yes, schedule a time when you browse your social media and stick to it. Scheduling it in ensures you don’t suffer from FOMO but giving you the discipline to not over indulge by setting a time (max 2 hours a day) and sticking to it
I think we should seriously start regulating how much and what kind of information we consume and start taking the time to unplug and spend time with our families, other believers and more importantly with God. Make it a point to find time to switch off everything and labor in prayer and read the word of God. Not just for quotes or highlight scriptures but to actually study chapters and meditate. I promise you will begin to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus and you will also develop better relationships others.
Bible Verse
Proverbs 3: 24-26
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
This is a very powerful passage of scripture and it has been an anchor for me when the wind and the waves of life were ragging. Our God promises us sweet sleep and freedom from anxiety! What’s even more wonderful is that He is faithful and He keeps His promises without fail. All we have to do is sit on His lap, and lean into Him and all of our fears will begin to fade as we become more aware of His power and beauty.
