He Cares for You

by Siena Olsen

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:7

Even though I’ve known God all my life I never really grasped the importance of Him. To me He seemed more like a third parent who wouldn’t dare show His face unless it was something truly important, and for a long time I was satisfied with that. That is until about two years ago, a little before my Confirmation classes started…

A constant void of worrying and panic. That’s what it feels like to have anxiety. I’ve had it all my life but it started getting much worse when middle school started. It felt like no matter where I was or what I was doing, my anxiety would pop up and disrupt everything. It was simply exhausting and extremely frustrating, and at times it still is.

At the time I didn’t know who or what to turn to. I tried therapy and it worked somewhat, but not nearly enough. I also tried distracting myself with excessive electronic use and even though I want to say that it worked, it actually made my mental condition worse. So I turned to what felt like the only thing left: God. I prayed and prayed for an answer, started going to Bonfire, and listened more attentively to the messages in my Confirmation classes. And then it hit me—God was the answer to my anxiety and all of my problems. I felt His presence flow within me and it was like nothing that I had ever felt before. An overwhelming and wonderful sensation told me that I was safe and finally, I felt like I was. So now and forever I will rest upon Him and spread the comfort and love that He gifted me to others so they might feel as safe and loved as I do now.

Dear God, may we feel Your love and comfort. Remind us of Your power and glory so that we can be released from all of our pain and regain a real sense of security. Please reveal who You are to us through Your wonderful hands and fill our hearts with Your love. Help us to say with confidence that we are unafraid of this world’s dangers and that we are willing to lean on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.