One Cure for Anxiety

This morning I awakened from a nightmare.  I don’t remember the details--I was just very upset.  Then my cat Buddy jumped up beside me purring.  Immediately my heart settled.  Later I was eating breakfast, watching news of the virus.  I became annoyed and worried over some government action--imagining a whole world of negative outcomes.  Suddenly my cat Buddy jumped in my lap purring.  Of course there was nothing to be done but stop and enjoy his attention.  My concerns went from fearfulness to mere thoughtfulness in the blink of an eye. 
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It struck me how much Buddy does to calm me.  In moments of unsettledness, his loving presence makes me feel better.  How much is that like God?  God has a way of doing that...coming to us in the moments of our deepest concern.  Maybe it happens as the happy song of a bird outside our window.  It could be a silly TV show, or a text from a friend.  When consumed with negative thoughts, if we open our eyes and hearts to God, he will jump in our laps and purr.  He is always close to soothe us in some way.

God doesn’t want us wallowing in anxiety, anger, or despair.  In first Peter 5:6-7 we read, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13 NIVO)