CHOOSING THE GOOD PORTION
The Conflict of Anxiety in the Christian Heart
As a Christian, I believe in the complete authority of the scriptures. So when it says in God’s word, “Do not be anxious about anything…” I know God is allowing me freedom from my fears and worries, and He is commanding me not to take on the stress.
However, I have noticed that while my head can reasonably say, “Yes, I believe you God, and I trust you in all things,” my physiological symptoms of anxiety reveal that maybe I don’t trust God. If I am not truly trusting God, then I am also not truly obeying Him.
So how can you, as a Christian, work through this sometimes daily battle of anxiety?
Martha’s (and my) Story (Luke 10:38-42)
Recently I re-read the well-known story of Mary and Martha. Martha invited Jesus into her and her sister Mary’s home. The scripture says that Mary sat listening to Jesus’ teachings, while Martha was distracted by much serving. Martha confronted Jesus with her frustration and told him to command her sister to help her prepare their home. Jesus replied:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
Jesus brought attention to the burden of anxiety Martha placed on herself. She was angry at her sister for causing her distress by not helping, yet all she needed to do was stop and look to Jesus.
Martha was trying to do what she believed was right. I relate to her. I see things around me that I believe need tending, but sometimes that means I miss what’s actually important to God and become heavily laden with distractions that lead to anxiety.
When Martha became consumed by her anxiety, she became angry from her self-righteousness and missed what was so accessible to her, Jesus. The good portion, the one that does not lead to anxiety, is Jesus, and He is the one she and I have missed so often because we allow distractions to take His place.
You Have a Choice
In the scripture, Jesus said Mary chose the good portion. I am more prone to anxiety than some, possibly due to genetics, and I often feel the pull to fixate on my fear. However, I have a choice. I can either choose to give in to my anxiety or decide to fix my attention on the good portion, Jesus. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus reminds people not to worry about their daily needs but instead to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” When you focus first on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, you realize you have nothing to worry about because He is in control.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 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. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
How Will You Fight?
You, too, can choose to rest in the assurance of who God is and fight the battle of anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving. Fighting against fear is not an easy battle, but thankfully, you do not walk it alone. You have a God who never gives up on you, who is not far away and will provide you with what you need.
It is God who will give peace and guard your heart and mind in Christ. Don’t give up; you are on the victor’s side.
Today I choose the good portion. Will you?
Reflect and Connect
What are you believing wrongly about God when you are anxious?
What spiritual practices can help you focus on the peace of Jesus rather than your fears?
What additional support, if any, are you needing as you fight anxiety?
