The exam season is upon us. As I walk around the campus and through the Library I can sense the tension! It takes me back to my days at university and medical school. Day to day living becomes focussed by deadlines. It is hard to see further ahead. Sleep is needed, but there is less of it, and what there is, is poorer quality. The 4am wake-up can spell disaster – you try and regain the sleep peace but – no joy. Suddenly, another day starts early.
Peter gives some timely advice (1 Peter 5: 5b-7). Quoting Proverbs 3:34, he tells us:
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
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.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you! Ha! Easier said than done,” I hear you say. But it does work.
I was once facing a sudden crisis that was an all-consuming worry. This wasn’t exam stress, but similar. I was unexpectedly needing to find work. A research project had broken down and I could not repair it. We had bills to pay and another child on the way. So, there was a lot to think about, plan and apply for.
We were then part of the Christian Fellowship at All Saints Weston, Bath. I knew Ian – one of the worship leaders there. He and Anji had become close family friends. One Sunday he caught my eye. He could read my mind. He realised that there was a lot on. He took my hand and said, “Nigel Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”.
It was only one phrase – a short sentence and instruction – no long chat or complicated lists – so simple. But it sunk in deeply. And stopped me in my tracks. Of course I should. I was then a relatively new Christian. So, I set up a prayer routine, and Pat and I would say that sentence every day for the nine months or so.
It helped.
So, I write to encourage us all. Jesus knows stress. God knows us. The Spirit will guide. And this One Triune God cares. He knows that when we can hand our stress over, we can all work better.
Nigel Rawlinson
PS. I got another job, my daughter Anna-Fleur was born, and Ian and Anji are her Godparents.
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