Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. — Mark 4:37-38
For most people, childhood was a golden, care-free time. And for many people, years after they leave home, they ask: What happened? Additional responsibilities burden the heart, darken the day, and make us fear tomorrow. No wonder helpful medications like Xanax, Valium, and Zoloft are popular.
But I believe the New Testament has a unique type of medication, with three active ingredients, that can help put us in the right frame of mind if taken daily.
Humility. Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. (Romans 12:3)
The source of anxiety is believing not only that it’s all up to us, but that we’re capable of handling things ourselves. We’re not, and lessons from aging should prove that. Humility leads us to be able to…
…Trust. I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. (Romans 8:38-39)
Since we were created by a higher, wiser, and more loving Power than we can imagine, shouldn’t we trust that such a Creator would want to live beside us, enjoying our discovery of daily surprises? And how that enjoyment increases when we enter trusting relationships with our brothers and sisters, which lead us to…
…Hope. Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. So, since we have such a hope, we act with great confidence. (Romans 12:12)
Living in the kingdom embodied in Jesus helps us claim a renewed, transformed childhood. Ultimately, today’s freedom isn’t shackled by yesterday’s fears, and tomorrow’s dreams can energize today.
Jesus was able to sleep through a raging storm at sea. Paul wrote some of his most encouraging letters while in jail. That’s because they took HTH daily. And so should we.