“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” — Colossians 3:16
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Before games, many athletes have butterflies in their bellies and some participants get so nauseated that they get dehydrated and struggle to get out on the field for the action. It is so frustrating to have talent and not be able to use it well because of nervousness about the unknown and the high expectations. We don’t know all the reasons why some people have more anxiety than others. Sometimes, people inherit tendencies to worry excessively from parents, or trauma from bullying and other bad experiences that contributes to anxiety disorders.
It is not unusual for dedicated believers to wrestle with doubts, fears, anxiety and depression. The prophet Elijah wanted his life to end prematurely when he felt all alone after Queen Jezebel threatened to have him executed for opposing the worship of Baal. King David had big mood swings and his divinely-inspired psalms reflect his strong emotions as he dealt with enemies, unreliable friends and ungrateful children. Another psalmist expressed similar frustrations: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
During times when English hymn writer William Cowper couldn’t cope with everyday life, Morley and Mary Unwin showed incredible hospitality. They allowed him to live in their house until he got stronger and was able to provide for himself again. Also, John Newton, the writer of “Amazing Grace,” helped Cowper come out of his despair by enlisting Cowper to work together with him on a hymn-writing project. As they focused their minds on spiritual truth, Cowper improved. They followed the instruction from Scripture for peace of mind. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).
When Jesus saw the woman at the well burdened with her sins and spiritually dehydrated, He spoke refreshing words and promised her a better life now, and also eternal life. As water refreshes our bodies, the Word of God revives our souls. “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life’” (John 4:13-14).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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