Antidote for our Anxious World

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Psalm 91  (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them.’ Psalm 91:??

One glance at the news headlines is often all that’s needed to understand why levels of worry and anxiety are presently so high in the UK. Whilst we may not have to contend with the lions, snakes, and arrows referred to in today’s psalm, the cost of living, crime, international conflict, and other news stories coupled with the relentless pressures from social media can gnaw away at our peace of mind. Indeed, in their most recent study the Mental Health Association found that 73% of adults in the UK had felt anxious in the previous two weeks and 20% felt anxious most or all of the time.

Yet it doesn’t have to be that way.

Psalm 91 is a wonderful reminder of what happens when we pray to God about the things that are troubling us. As we bring our fears to Him we can enjoy: rest as we trust in Him; comfort as He covers us with His feathers; protection behind His shield and deliverance from whatever is afflicting us. The imagery here is beautiful and we can lean into different verses depending on our circumstances. When we’re at the end of ourselves, worn out and hurting, we can take refuge under His wings. When we’re fearful or afraid, we can stand behind His shield. Through prayer, we’re talking to ‘the most High’; ‘the Almighty’. We can trust that there is nothing that is more powerful than our God. 

Digging deeper, all of the above is available to us if we make the Most High our ‘dwelling-place’. ‘Dwell’ means to take up permanent residence but how do we take up permanent residence in the shelter of God? I think this is as simple as spending time with Him in prayer and worship, learning more about the bible and listening to and putting our trust in Him. Through drawing close to Him, we find ourselves living in His shadow where we can find rest.

Nothing in this Psalm suggests that storms and trials won’t still come our way but when they do it promises us there is an alternative to being consumed by worry, a way that brings peace and comfort – the antidote to our anxious world.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we lift up to you our worries and concerns. Protect, comfort and deliver us, may we find rest in the shadow of your mighty wings. Amen

Carolyn Barton, Director of Vision Delivery & Deputy Diocesan Secretary.