Nervous Christian

I sent out an email inviting my subscribers to take a look at Lola Jones’ book

“Things Are Going Great In My Absence”

A visitor left a comment on the Lola Jones page describing herself as a nervous Christian.

If you are a nervous Christian or experience Christian anxiety, I know where you’re coming from.

I was raised in a very fundamental religious organization.  God, along with what pleased God was very tightly defined and fit in a very small box.

I remember wrestling with some of the ideas as a teen.  I didn’t really see how they were right or could be right.  I couldn’t ask anyone in my family and couldn’t ask a minister because they were all teaching the belief system and I already knew what the answers would be.

I didn’t know who to trust.  So I did what anyone in my situation would do.  I accepted something I knew wasn’t right.  If that won’t create Christian anxiety and depression, I don’t know what will!

If you were handed God in a box at an early age you likely knew something was amiss too.  There’s something in young people that sees through much of what adults accept and teach.

That’s “what’s wrong with kids these days” – they know at a deep level that much of what they’re taught isn’t helpful, beneficial or needful and yet there doesn’t appear to be any other way.  That is the root of the dysfunction that shows up as alcohol and drug abuse and all the other issues that plague the youth of today.

You hand someone a system to live in and by – that hasn’t worked too well for you – and you know it and they know it and what do you expect?

But I digress.

Thing is – I jumped fully into the system.  I even entered the ministry.  Not that I did all of this solely on my own.  I have no doubt that God was at work in my life and guiding me every step of the way.

You see, life really is a journey.  God really is in control.  I know we say that but most of the time we don’t really believe it.  We look around thinking that the world is going to hell in a hand basket and wonder when the next disaster will strike.  Go ahead and say it isn’t so…

Truth is: God is in control and all is well.  God has a way of guiding us despite our thoughts to the contrary.  And He brings us along, helping us learn and grow and understand deeper truths as we are prepared to accept them.

You likely wouldn’t have tolerated the content of this site two years ago.  You may feel a little nervous reading it now.

That’s okay.  We gain comfort from those who agree with us and learn from those who don’t agree with us.

I didn’t create this site to comfort people who keep God in a box.

If reading this creates a little discomfort while it intrigues you then you’re likely learning and growing. If it generates downright fear that God is going to strike you dead then you may not be ready yet.

Jesus pushed people out of their comfort zones.  He pushed even His own disciples out of their comfort zones.  Faith take us outside the comfort zone of the ordinary, old ways of thinking and being.

Believers aren’t called to be nervous.  Being nervous indicates a little doubt maybe? Some fear?

What is there to fear?

I was taught that our belief had to be protected.  I was taught that to read other spiritual books would deceive me.  Actually reading anything other than the Bible was discouraged.  That didn’t keep me from reading Louis L’Amour and Archie comic books. The violent comic books weren’t allowed – and I have no problem with that.

I have learned that truth requires no defense.  That took a load off! Believe me it’s a heavy burden to know what is true and have to defend it all the time.

Here’s a tip: If you’re belief system demands your constant defense and protection it’s less than absolute truth.

Think about the clear, no nonsense way in which Jesus taught.  He didn’t have to defend anything He taught.  He simply laid it out there to be accepted by those who would accept it.

If you’re constantly having to defend your beliefs to yourself and others – you are likely very tired – it takes more energy than you realize to live like that.

Luke 12:32

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV)

I John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (KJV)

God is Love.  Be Still and Know God.  You’ll know Love with no fear.

This isn’t some empty promise either.  This is real and you can experience life this way – with complete faith and trust – free of fear and doubt.

Why would you want it any other way?