Questions Jesus Asked by Magrey deVega
Asking questions takes courage. Not only do they reveal what Jesus really cares about, they open a window into our hearts. We all have questions for God, but growth happens when we turn things around and ask what Jesus wants to know about us.
Jesus was fond of asking questions, many of which cut right to the heart of what it means to be human. Why are you terrified? What do you live for? Who do you say that I am? In Questions Jesus Asked, author Magrey deVega explores six of the most provocative questions Jesus posed to others and encourages us to explore our responses.
Here is the synopsis from the TFC evening Winter Bible Study session that was missed on January 25.
Why Are You Anxious? from Questions Jesus Asked by Magrey DeVega
Content is a synopsis of DeVega’s material.
Take a moment and read the scripture focus.
Luke 12:25-31
Jesus encountered many anxious, worried people along the way.
A man with a demon-possessed child.
Disciples in the boat in a storm.
Disciples arguing over who is the greatest.
How are we going to feed all these people?
We could add our own concerns to the list.
Today’s scripture asks why we are anxious and then goes on to offer some comforting thoughts. We might seek this passage out when needing to be reminded to hold concerns more loosely or when we need to be comforted. If only we could make our anxiety and worry switch off.
When God created humanity, God made us interdependent with all that is created. All works together to sustain the whole. Lilies and sparrows receive from God, through God’s world, what they need to survive and thrive. Water, food, breath.
In Hebrew and in Greek, the word for spirit, translates breath. Our breath can be seen as a taking in and sending out the Spirit.
Conversely, the word for anxious in Latin is angere, which translates to choke or afflict. Worry can cause angst, cut us off from the life-giving Source. Remembering to breathe deeply, as this can connect us back to that which provides and remind us of our Source.
Patricia Brown, in her related work, encourages breath prayer as a way of connecting with the Spirit. She suggests this guided exercise:
Take a moment now to put your feet flat on the floor, legs are uncrossed and you are sitting up straight with your palms in your lap. Your face can be directed based on preference and eyes are closed.
Remember in this moment that God holds you in a loving presence, just as water fills every nook and cranny.
Now… slowly count to 5 as you take in a deep breath. Hold the breath in for a couple of seconds. This is where mystics say God dwells. Now begin to exhale slowly counting to 5 again. Hold for a couple of seconds before repeating.
Brown then, while breathing, would have Psalm 46:10 read… between the repeats.
Inhale/exhale
Be still and know that I am God (pause)
Inhale/exhale
Be still and know that I am (pause)
Inhale/exhale
Be still and know (pause)
Inhale/exhale
Be still (pause)
Inhale/exhale
Be (pause)
Inhale/exhale
Enjoy a moment of silence.
Spiritually this calms. Physiologically this has been proven to be true to the physical body.
Gratitude is a second help for anxiety.
Giving God thanks for any little goodness, will affect a disposition. It reminds us that attentiveness to blessings and simple gifts can change our way of seeing and thus, our way of moving in the world. It can reshape how we receive what comes to us.
Finally, taking action is empowering… reminding us we aren’t helpless in any given situation. God has empowered us to be resistant, proactive, and prepared. Action can be part of anxiety’s antidote.
Anxiety can be helpful, in that it pushes us towards preparation and action, with an awareness that we can use our power but we also have limits to what we can control.
When we bump up against our limits, we can remember the lilies and sparrows and how all is interdependent with God as the source of Spirit and life.
Breathe.
Be grateful.
Know God is with you.