The cure for anxiety (2)

American author, Hannah Whitall Smith tells a story that took place about 100 years ago, yet it’s as up-to-date as tomorrow morning’s newspaper. ‘A farmer with a horse and cart notices a man walking along with a heavy sack on his back, so he offers him a ride. The stranger accepts and climbs up onto the cart. But as they proceed down the road, he is still bowed beneath the weight of his sack. The farmer says, “Why don’t you set the sack down?” The stranger replies, “That would be too much to ask. I’m grateful that you’re carrying me, but I would never expect you to carry the sack also.”’

That’s what we do when we accept God’s offer of salvation but insist on carrying all our burdens ourselves. ‘Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.’ (Psalm 55:22 CSB) God won’t begin working on the problem until you turn it over to Him; He gets involved when He gets invited. We wait until we’re falling apart, then wonder why God doesn’t help. ‘You do not have, because you do not ask’ (James 4:2 AMPC).

Have you asked God for help? Have you placed the problem in His hands, confident that He will work it out for your good, patiently waiting for Him to do it?

This doesn’t mean you become passive and sit around doing nothing. You need to do what you believe is right and what you have peace about doing. Learn the difference between your part and God’s part, and stop frustrating yourself by trying to do what only God can do.