Anxiety is striking Gen Z at unprecedented levels, fueled by academic pressure, social media, and shifting family dynamics. Without urgent intervention, this generation risks being defined by its distress more than its potential, according to research findings available through PubMed Central (PMC).
Even though it’s true anxiety has significantly increased in our society in the twenty-first century, it is not a problem unique to our generation. Since the Fall, people have always experienced anxiety. Jesus addressed our concerns head-on in the Sermon on the Mount. He appealed to people’s worries about health and finances (we can all relate, right?) and invited us to focus on His provision instead of our worries.
Jesus invited His disciples to look at the world around them—the flowers and the birds. Doesn’t He take care of them? Don’t they have what they need? Then, He asked them (and us) to consider how much more valuable to Him we are than birds and flowers. Jesus is saying, “If I provide so abundantly for these plants and animals, how much more must I care for you, who are so much more valuable to Me than any plant or bird.” This is an invitation to trust Him. He loves you and will take care of you just like He does the birds.
The beautiful thing about the words of Christ here is that they apply as much to you today as they did to the crowd 2,000 years ago. Jesus promises to provide for you. This truth should encourage you and excite you. In moments of fear and anxiety, remember He is not some distant Jesus—He is right there with you, ministering to you. He knows you and your needs better than you know them, and He is faithful to provide.
Sometimes, it feels like we experience a lot more lows than highs. In those moments, we can fall into the trap of believing the lie that Jesus is distant from us, as if He is completely unaware of our struggles, or He doesn’t care, or worse yet—if He is aware and does care, He doesn’t have the power to do anything about it.
Although these feelings and doubts can be very real, they’re based on an incomplete view of Jesus. The real Jesus isn’t just sent by God—He is God. If it is true that the real Jesus is God, then it is also true that the real Jesus is all-knowing, all-caring, all-loving, and all-powerful as well.
Spend time reflecting on all that Jesus has done for you. Thank Him—and be specific. Take your time to sit in a posture of receptive gratitude toward God. Ask Him to give you the opportunity to share His care for you with someone else.
Editor’s Note: This is an adapted excerpt from Pruitt’s study, “Not My Jesus.” To discover more about a biblical understanding of who the REAL Jesus is, visit lifeway.com/notmyjesus.
