Jesus' Cure for Frustration Over Other People's Business

Have you ever worried about how God is handling other people’s business? Sometimes out of love and sometimes out of more negative emotions - resentment, frustration - you find yourself unsettled because of what’s happening in someone else’s life.

Even one of Jesus’ apostles was not immune from being stirred up about somebody else’s business. (Of course the apostle was Peter, so maybe we shouldn’t be surprised.)

Peter had had a very public melt-down the night of Jesus’ betrayal. After  the resurrection Christ challenged and restored Peter. There on the shore of the Sea of Galilee Jesus patiently and gently put Peter back where he needed to be. The Savior’s thrice repeated question to Peter - “Do you love Me?” - was followed by a threefold commission:  “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).

A Family Physician’s Prescription for Peace

Recently Jay Downey, one of the elders in our church, shared a devotional about anxiety, and how God’s peace is available to us in Christ. Jay's perspective is unique in that he is a family practice doctor who notes that the majority of his patients come to see him because of issues related to stress and anxiety. I thought his “prescription” was especially helpful, and with his permission, wanted to share it with you.

Are you feeling worried or anxious about things happening in the world or in your life? Do you get stressed by events or find yourself losing sleep thinking about the “what if's" of the future? If so, you're in good company. As a physician, I can tell you that the majority of doctor visits are, in fact, related to stress and anxiety. And statistics indicate that the incidence of anxiety, worry, and even depression are increasing in the population as a whole.

Why is this? What does the Bible have to say about this?

Well, actually, the Bible has a lot to say about it. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks directly to the issues of anxiety.