POSTED 10 MARCH, 2009

Anxious Hearts

by Mark Huey
mark@outreachisrael.net

reproduced from the McHuey Blog

In recent weeks, just listening to the radio news, catching a cable television broadcast, walking by a newspaper stand, or glancing at a magazine rack, can generate subliminal apprehension. Unanticipated emotional flashes generated by spoken or written words like: financial meltdown, home foreclosure, unemployment, depression, recession, lost savings, equity reduction, or—fill in the blank—have many Americans in a psychosomatic freefall. The mental and physical stress is taking its escalating toll, especially if one’s perceived security is attributed exclusively to either financial assets or the ability to generate resources by one’s own strength.

While this turmoil is creating personal angst for millions seeking the American financial dream that, for many, is currently morphing from a mirage to a nightmare—the occasions to share the Ultimate Answer for heartfelt peace are intensifying. For Believers who know the salvation available in Yeshua, who are diligently pursuing righteousness, the opportunities to present the only Solution to these excruciating concerns are on the rise. The Prophet Daniel foresaw a time when “those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). Are you one of those who will have insight?

Ask yourself the following questions:

·  Is the current economic debacle and the attendant anxiety it is producing a time to lead many to righteousness?

·  Is this a time when God’s people will have the insight to provide answers to those asking life’s greatest questions, being instigated by the economic and political crisis?

·  What is required for God’s people to shine brightly like the stars, when some might seek us out for the answers?

Do remember, as is often quoted today by those who understand individual and corporate human nature, how to influence and control people and nations:

“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste…this crisis (global financial trauma) provides the opportunity for us to do things that you could not do before.”

While those in positions of power might want to exploit the economic crisis for their own political gains, let me suggest that there is an even greater opportunity for the faithful to share the gospel with those who are in a personal or corporate crisis. Think about those inimitable spiritual stratagems, concocted perhaps by the Holy Spirit as a “crisis” for probing the hardened heart, or knocking on the door of the heart, as if wanting to come in and dine (Revelation 3:20).

Typically, there are three problem areas in someone’s life that are often used by the Lord to get a person to start asking meaningful questions. These can be: (1) financial problems, (2) physical problems, or (3) relational problems. In many cases, financial problems actually precipitate physical problems, as the stress and strain of debt, loss of security, or lack of money often attack weakened body parts. Additionally, marriage counselors almost universally agree that the most significant problem that contributes to separation and/or divorce (the ultimate relational problem) is financial challenges. So for those sensitive to sharing the gospel to their family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances, the current financial crisis and the attendant anxiety leading to substantial personal and relational problems is likely to create multiple opportunities to share your faith. (But do be prepared for multi-faceted circumstances to manifest themselves with those to whom you are led to speak.)

One of the keys to being effective in sharing your faith in the Messiah Yeshua is developing and actually possessing having the insight of which Daniel speaks. Interestingly, when one searches the Scriptures to discern what is required or needed to have insight leading to righteousness, Psalm 119 comes into focus. Consider the benefits of examining God’s Torah and following His commandments, as you will be better able to understand His holiness and righteousness:

“O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word. I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:97-104).

If there were ever a passage of Scripture that encourages disciples of the Lord to observe His ways—this is it! Those who follow these instructions will shine like the stars and be used to lead many to not only the Lord, but also encourage them to study His Word and learn to live like Him. In your presentation of the good news, you might even be able to weave in the following Scriptures, especially for those who might be anxious about their financial predicament. Yeshua taught,

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31-34).

Finally, as you take this great opportunity to lead people to the Messiah through whatever this current financial situation brings, you might also be able to share another passage that addresses the prayerful prescription that Believers use for dealing with anxious hearts. Paul wrote the Philippians,

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:4-8).

Brothers and sisters, rejoice in the opportunities as they come your way! Be prayerful and beseech the Lord for wisdom and insight to deal with the challenges as they manifest. Make your requests known to God, particularly if you are discerning that He is using some of these predicaments to get the attention of those in your circle of influence. It is a great privilege to watch this current financial crisis, and be used by the Almighty to bring many to salvation—because of your testimony and willingness to direct many to the accomplished work of the Messiah! Never forget this admonition to the wise and insightful who are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit:

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls” (Proverbs 11:30).

May the fruit of your faithfulness lead many anxious hearts to the Righteous One, our Messiah Yeshua! Never let a crisis go to waste, until the restoration of all things…

Mark Huey (B.A., Vanderbilt University in History and Graduate Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) is the Director of Outreach Israel Ministries (www.outreachisrael.net). He is the author of several books, including: TorahScope, Volumes I & II, and Counting the Omer: A Daily Devotional Toward Shavuot. He is also co-author of Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study.