Monday's thoughts

Sermon for Sunday, January 4th 2009


"Anxiety; Get Over It"
I wanted to have us begin the year looking at the kinds of things that cause us problems internally. I wanted to have us consider what makes us anxious.

The economy makes us anxious; and the potential loss of our jobs and loss of income. For some it isn't a threat it is a present reality. How do we deal with the unknown future?

Interpersonal relationships make us anxious. Why can't people just get along? Why can't people stand face to face and see eye to eye?

For some of us it is our health. There are medical issues that are unresolved and the signs are not good for a positive resolution.

For some of us life itself makes us anxious. Just being is a problem. Paul Tillich was one theologian who believed there was an existential anxiety. It comes from just being alive and the way to face it is to lean into it.

I tend to think Tillich is right about that. The best way to face our anxiety is to face it straight and deal with it directly.

Jesus said, "Do not be anxious about tomorrow."

How do we avoid anxiety? How do we face the future with confidence and hope?

If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles