Answering Anxiety

The Anxious Heart

Anxiety hurts. If you are reading this, then you are probably experiencing it – either in your own life or in the life of someone you care about. 

Does God have an answer for anxiety? Do we have to be medicated to cope, or is there a biblical solution for the anxieties of the soul? 

The God of the Bible cares for hurting people. This is seen in both the Old Testament and in the New. In the person of Jesus, mankind meets the God of all mercy face to face. 

God does have an answer for anxiety, and that answer is found in 1 Peter 5:5-11.

First, we must think about what anxiety is. In 1 Peter, Peter speaks about casting your anxieties on Him. But what is it that he’s talking about? What is it that we are to cast on the Lord?

The word Peter chooses in his letter when he speaks about anxiety can be defined as “a feeling of apprehension or distress in view of possible danger or misfortune – ‘anxiety, worry, anxious concern.’” Jesus uses this word in the parable of the sower when He describes the Word of God being choked out by the cares of the world. Jesus warned about people being unprepared for His return because of the cares of the world. Paul describes the daily pressure he felt due to his care for all the churches.

So, Peter is writing about a soul that’s full of cares, a heart that is troubled. Let’s consider some of anxiety’s expressions:

Do you worry? Worry is one expression of anxiety.

What about a general sense of unrest? As someone might put it, you just are not happy.

What if we use the word discouragement?

What about the word depression or fear? 

In Psalm 42, we are given a great biblical description of anxiety. We are introduced to a man who is troubled by enemies and those who would mock him for his faith. As a result, his heart is depressed. But he also describes the feeling as turmoil. He talks about feeling as if God has forgotten him. 

What is this? This is anxiety.

So, the place to begin when looking for God’s answer to your anxious heart, is the place of admitting your need. We can’t embrace God’s solutions for problems we don’t believe we have. It is when we are honest with our problems, our struggles, our weaknesses – our sins – that we are genuinely ready to listen to God.

Let your heart be filled with hope! Open your heart to the answer Christ offers for the troubles of the soul. 

If you would like to find out more about this topic, we invite you to listen to the episode of the Straight Truth Podcast called “Answering Anxiety” on YouTube https://youtu.be/gPgK0tbUesc or Vimeo https://vimeo.com/252726922

You can also purchase the book "Answering Anxiety" by Richard Caldwell on Amazon: goo.gl/dLhirm 

Copied from Bible.com.

JoJo The Mystial Monk - JJtMM

SOUL RESET: Forgive Without Compromising Your Peace

Though I'm not proud to say it, I said many mean things about my ex after a messy breakup in college. One day, I realized my words were hurtful and regretted them. I emailed her, saying I was sorry and wanted to make amends. But I hadn’t experienced genuine repentance; it was just regret. I knew this because I kept saying mean things. I hadn't changed!

I'll never forget eating a chicken burrito in an airport restaurant. I opened my computer to check my email and immediately lost my appetite. She had written me back, and her words cut deep. She called out my lack of integrity, questioned my faith, and pointed out how my actions didn't match my words of apology. The truth was, she was right about everything she said.

That moment began my journey of understanding the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Though we often think they are the same, these two things aren't the same. Here's the key truth I want you to grasp in this series: Forgiveness involves me. Reconciliation involves us.

The distinction between these two experiences is clearly illustrated in one of the Bible's most dramatic stories of broken relationships – the story of Jacob and Esau. These twin brothers had been estranged for twenty years after Jacob deceived their father and stole Esau's blessing. When Jacob finally headed home, he sent messengers to his brother Esau in Genesis 32. Worried about Esau’s reaction, Jacob included many gifts for the brother he once cheated.

Jacob's heart must have been pounding as he sent those messengers. Would Esau still want to kill him? Had anything changed in twenty years? The messengers returned with news that Esau was coming – with 400 men—an army.

This story illustrates something vital about reconciliation: it's vulnerable, risky, and sometimes impossible. That's why Paul writes in Romans 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Notice those first two words: "if possible." Sometimes, reconciliation isn't possible.

Over the next few days, we will explore what makes reconciliation possible and what makes it impossible. We'll examine common myths that keep us stuck, examine what true repentance looks like, and understand why trust takes time. Most importantly, we'll learn why forgiveness and reconciliation aren't the same thing—and why that's good news for those of us carrying deep wounds.

On the following day of this plan, you will be exposed to common myths about forgiveness and reconciliation that hold you back from freedom. These myths have caused countless people I’ve worked with to remain stuck in toxic situations or rush into reconciliation before it's wise. But first, take a moment to reflect: Who comes to mind when you think about reconciliation? What would it mean to you if reconciliation were possible? Or what if it's not possible – how might that change how you move forward?

From Bible.com by Scott Savage.

JoJo The Mystical Monk - JJtMM

What is a Christian Mystic?

About a year ago I was talking with my brother who is a pastor, and has been involved in Christianity since his teen years. At some point during the conversation he mentioned that he was more of a 'Christian mystic.' I had no idea what that was, so I decided to look it up on Google. Interesting! After reading the definition, I suppose I would say that I'm more of the 'Christian mystic' type myself! Here's the definition from Google:

"A Christian mystic is an individual who pursues a direct, personal, and transformative experience of union with God, rather than relying solely on theological study or religious rituals. They focus on intimate, often inner, communion with the divine, seeking to "know" God directly, which often leads to spiritual transformation, love, and a deeper perception of God's presence in all things."

Key Characteristics and Beliefs

Direct Experience: Focuses on experiential knowledge of God, sometimes described as "tasting" or "feeling" the divine presence.

Transformation: The goal is transformation—becoming more like God or being absorbed in divine love.

Contemplative Life: Practices such as contemplation, deep prayer, and meditation to cultivate intimacy with God.

Inner Knowledge: Often emphasizes a deeper, hidden, or "mystical" understanding of spiritual truths.

Love-Centered: Interprets Christian tradition through the lens that "God is Love," focusing on love and joy over legalistic rules.

Visibility: While sometimes involving visions or "out-of-the-body" experiences, it is primarily about the inner life.

Usage Examples & Historical Figures

Teresa of Avila & John of the Cross: Known for their writings on the "interior castle" and the dark night of the soul, describing the stages of the soul's union with God.

Julian of Norwich: A 14th-century mystic who recorded her "shewings" or revelations of divine love.

Thomas Merton: A modern example, a monk known for contemplative practices and connecting with God in everyday life.

Contemplative Prayer: Practicing silence and meditation to "marinate" in God's presence, as noted by.

Theological Reflection: Reading and reflecting deeply on Scripture and theological texts, often looking for the hidden meaning (theoria).

Synonyms and Related Terms

Contemplative: Emphasizing deep prayer and meditation.

Mystic: One who seeks direct experience of the Divine.

Theorikos/Contemplator: One who "looks at" or is aware of God.

Spiritual seeker: Someone focused on intimate, personal experience of the divine.

Contextual Distinctions

Not Magic: It is important to distinguish Christian mysticism from magic, as it does not aim to control God.

Rooted in Scripture: True Christian mysticism is typically validated by biblical truths, rather than being "extra-scriptural".

Diverse Expressions: It can be expressed through structured contemplative practices or more personal, visionary experiences.

Famous Mystics & Related Imagery

Hildegard of Bingen, a prominent mystic known for her visions [].

St. Teresa of Avila, often depicted in ecstasy [].

Various figures, including St. Paul, are considered to have had mystical experiences []. 

I find this most interesting! I love learning!

JoJo The Mystical Monk - JJtMM

Managing Worry and Anxiety

Day 4 

Experience God’s Presence Is in the Present

Worry and anxiety are rarely about what is going on in the present. Both are focused on what might happen or what has happened in the past. Jesus tells us we aren’t supposed to worry about our future. Worrying or being anxious about the future increases our sense of powerlessness. When we live consumed by the future or the past, we are less aware of what is happening in the present and less able to react effectively within the moment.

How to live in the present moment is one of the lessons I learned from the Israelites. When the Israelites were traveling in the desert between Egypt and the promised land, God promised He would provide for them. He told them manna would be present each morning and they were to gather only what they needed for the day. When the Israelites tried to keep the manna overnight so they could use it the next day, it spoiled.

God wants an intimate relationship with us where we come to Him and receive from Him what we need as we need it. When I am worrying about the future, I am attempting to figure out how to handle something in two minutes, two hours, or two days with the resources God has given me to handle the moment I am currently in. This will never work because the resources for this moment will always be insufficient to address what I need at any other moment. Just like the Israelites had to learn to trust that God would give them what they needed, we must learn to trust in God’s provision. This trust can only be learned by the experience of recognizing God’s presence and provision in the present moment.

As you are doing something routine, allow yourself to focus on God’s presence with you. God is everywhere and in everything. He is breathing the breath into your lungs right now. You are surrounded by Him and enfolded in His loving arms right this minute, no matter what you are doing. Allow yourself to be aware that He is giving you what you need to accomplish this task, He is delighting in you as you accomplish this, and He is working with you to accomplish this. 

JoJo The Mystical Monk - JJtMM

Do Not Judge - ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬ - https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.1-29.NIV

JoJo The Mystical Monk - JJtMM