We are seeing an increase in the number of fearful and anxious people who call the church or approach our pastors.  The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with threats being made against our country and rumors of a pending "World War III" have made people concerned about the future. This seems to be especially true of young people who fear their dreams of a future could disappear in a mushroom cloud any day now.  You might be surprised to learn that I tell them their assessment is correct.  We could be vaporized any moment.  Or be hit by a car.  Or be killed in an accident. Or be diagnosed with a deadly disease.  Such a response from me is a shock to those who might say something along the lines of, "Your a Pastor! You're supposed to make me feel better!"​

     You might be surprised to learn that making people feel better is not in a pastor's job description.  That's not to say we don't try to do that, but the real duty of a pastor is to teach God's Word by example, as well as speech, and to do his utmost to help people  develop a personal relationship with our Creator by accepting His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and to teach them how to live in a way that pleases God.  In cases of those who are anxious about the future, I will remind them of some of the precious promises and teachings God has given us through His Word.​

     Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:25-27) This reminds us that worry accomplishes nothing but mental and physical strain.

     Jesus also said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)  There a peace given to His followers that non-believers could never grasp - a peace that surpasses secular understanding.  And that peace is such a blessing to have in our hearts when the world is in turmoil and answers are hard to find. 

     That's what the apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote to the church at Philippi, "Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

     If you battle fear and anxiety, I invite you to reach out to us at Christian Life Center by using the contact features on this website.  We'd love to talk with you and pray for you to experience the overriding peace that a relationship with Jesus brings in an uncertain world.