Last week was a rough subject but we can no longer put aside the damage being done to us as a people as a nation, and particularly as a church by the hate for God in our country and world  today. While doing my devotions, I came across this particular one. In his 1985 book Generation to Generation, family therapist Rabbi Edwin Friedman, introduce the phrase. “a non-anxious presence.”I want to share part of that with you and these words were written by Rabbi Edwin Friedman and I quote…  it was his belief that the  “climate of contemporary America has become so chronically anxious that our society has gone into an emotional regression that is toxic to well defined leadership.” The Pew has always made an effort to be transparent in the sources of our information that we share with you. Today’s blog was inspired by a devotional from “Our Daily Bread.”you will find that URL to this article at the end of this blog, we encourage you to go and read it. The author of the devotional for that day referenced Psalm 4, the following is a verse from that psalm… 

Psalm 4:8 

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.

I don’t know or remember that much about 1985, but I do believe that the Rabbi’s statement about the climate of the country may even be more accurate today. Myself, I believe that it doesn’t matter what your politics, religion, or denomination might be, none of us want to live in a state of high anxiety. In 1997 Mel Brooks made a movie  titled just that, it was a fast paced and funny movie. I remember seeing the movie, enjoying it, but I believe  most of us would prefer to leave the anxiety on the movie screen. It’s just not something that we want to live with. Last week we shared with you,The Hate Factor and how hate is fundamentally changing our nation and the world. As we seek the Good Way, there are many things that seeks to interrupt our time with God and our journey to be closer to Him and anxiety is definitely one of those interruptions. Anxiety is a normal stress response to danger and hate, but then it becomes excessive and uncontrollable worry, separating us from the ones we love and our God. The Bible acknowledges anxiety as a common human struggle while offering comfort and practical advice and guidance to combat it through faith. What we read the 1st Peter 5:7 we’re urged to cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for you. That verse seeks to replace fear with prayer thanksgiving and trust in God’s sovereignty. Here are five biblical observations about anxiety. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are commanded not to be anxious about anything, but to instead pray about everything which brings “a peace of God which surpasses all understanding” to guard your heart. Scripture encourages us the believers to transfer the burden of anxiety unto God, trusting in his personal care, knowing that when we leave these things to God, we will have peace. Matthew 6:34 teaches us that worrying about tomorrow as unnecessary burdens, it instructs followers to focus on today’s needs and trust God for the future. We also should rely on God’s strength. What would be again feeling overwhelmed the Bible provides reassurance that God is a helper, and that the Lord is my shepherd who provides rest. Perhaps one of the more stronger things we can find in scripture is that we are not to have a spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 tell us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind, allowing believers to combat anxiety with divine strength.

It is very plain, and simple, God is a refuge in times of trouble, you are invited to exchange your anxiety for His peace. You can take this with you and work to practice it… Philippians 4:8…

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

May the God of Peace be with you…

Life is Good

jk

Source’s:

https://ourdailybreadministries.ca/2026/12/02/a-non-anxious-presence/