Anxieties of Life

 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

— Luke 21:34-36

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Your words in Luke 21 encompass what you taught about the End Times. These closing words give me pause today. My readiness for your return is deeply impacted when I am weighed down by the anxieties of life. When my mind is consumed by life's worries and apprehension, it isn't focused on eternity. When my heart is saddled with unease and agitation, it isn't desiring your kingdom. When I'm in that condition, I'm prone to miss the signs of your coming and no longer be watchful. Moreover, I become self-absorbed and lose sight of my calling to share the Gospel and warn others to keep watch. That's when the day of your return comes suddenly like a trap. Traps spring on those who aren't mindful of where they are walking. Traps close on those who aren't always on the watch.

Remind me today to live with an awareness of your return. Help me be prepared for that day which will come on all those who live on the face of the earth. May I be ready, watchful, and focused and may I lead others to do the same. May your church be careful to not let their hearts be weighed down by the anxieties of life and the worries of the world. May we be a bride who is ready for her groom, watchful and prayerful for our returning king.

Gracious Lord, I give You all my anxieties of life that consume my heart today. I surrender every worry of life that weighs me down. Today I choose to be watchful, to be prayerful, and to be ready so that I may be able to stand before You on that day.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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