In yesterday's sermon, I asserted that this time of year is stressful and amplifies the anxiety that already exists around us.

I got some proof of that last night in the checkout counter. Here's a snippet of a conversation I overheard from someone talking on the phone behind me:

Angie found out what we were doing, invited herself, then took over the plans. She decided which house we were staying in. Then she chose her room. It was a whole thing. It was stressful.

If Angie's antics weren't enough to create anxiety, here's some more going on in the caller's life:

...my mom paid for me. I have to pay my tuition...it's $1610, and $1010 of it is due by the 16th. I don't have it all, so I'm putting half it on my credit card.

Maybe you have an Angie in your life who has invited herself on your trip and taken over. Or maybe you have a tuition bill due in a few days, and you don't have all the money on hand. If neither of those match your life, I'm confident you have issues going on that are producing stress and anxiety.

You know what to do about those: take them to the Lord.

But, what about the anxiety you can't see?

I'm talking about the anxiety that is disguised as something plain and innocent - like caring for family or social media usage. That anxiety will control you if you don't know it's there.

In Luke 10:38-42, Martha was distracted with much serving, but Jesus said she was anxious and troubled.

Two questions:

1) What's distracting you?

2) What disguise is the anxiety and trouble wearing in your life?

For your own well-being, look.

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Scripture

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. (Luke 10:40-41, ESV)

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the midst of life's apparent simplicity, I come before You aware that not all anxieties are visible. Just as Martha was troubled amidst her serving, there are hidden worries in my life, often disguised as routine tasks, or work, or caring for others. Grant me the insight to discern these subtle anxieties, and to recognize the distractions that may be robbing my peace. As I reflect, reveal to me what might be causing unease beneath the surface of my daily life. I bring these unseen concerns before You, seeking Your guidance and surrendering them at Your feet, trusting in Your promise to be my refuge and strength. Amen.

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Reflection

1. What daily tasks or responsibilities do you engage in that may be subtly disguising anxiety or trouble in your life?

2. Can you identify moments in your life where you, like Martha, have been distracted with much "serving" that was actually anxiety?

3. Considering the prayer's emphasis on discernment, how can you actively cultivate a habit of looking beneath the surface of your daily routine to identify and address hidden anxieties for the sake of your own well-being?

Watch: Anxiety in Disguise

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