Thinking, not blaming is key for each one of us to make a positive, hopeful, joyful, and non-anxious impact in society and the lives of others. As you recall, Esther is the story of the Jews protecting themselves from persecution during the Babylonian Captivity. The Jews experienced anxiety as did the political leaders. It was a complicated time.
Life is about relationships. And to be candid, relationships can be awkward. Thinking about anxiety and its causes is important. Blaming anxiety on someone or something is not helpful. The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines anxiety as “a nervous disorder marked by excessive uneasiness.
To think is always more difficult than to blame. God is active in all aspects of life. And God positions each one of us to accomplish God’s will. Faithfulness to God is the key to Jewish perseverance and preservation. Faithfulness vanquishes anxiety.
Join me for the Pastor’s Study, a seven-session experience on engaging and embracing the spectrum of diversity in a church that exists in a Red-and-Blue World. On Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16, 23, and 30 from 9:30am-11:00am in the Steamers Room join others who love one another and are learning how to talk and live in diversity, all the while finding our unity in Jesus and valuing the expression of ideas that cover the full spectrum of diversity. We’ll be using a book written by one of Steve’s Covenant brothers, Jack Haberer, as a resource for the study. Pick up a copy of Jack’s book, Swimming With The Sharks, at your favorite bookseller. Let’s be life-long learners, together. We’ll think, together, too.
George Muller writes, “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”[1] You too can exercise influence for the common good. It was the way of Esther. It is the way of Jesus. Friends, faith in Jesus is the antidote to anxiety. Thinking, not blaming is necessary for such a time as this.
On the journey of Christian discipleship, thinking, and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
[1]George Muller in “Signs of the Times.” Christianity Today, Vol. 35, no. 95.
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