Lack of Faith or Quirky Hangup?

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' . . . Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."----Matthew 6:31

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."----Philippians 4:19 

The Nagging Problem of “Little” Fears…

I have an irrational fear of medical procedures, most specifically of dental work. I really do regress to a basket case posture when then semiannual call for teeth cleaning comes my way. Recently, I dodged the call, threw away the postcard in an act of silliness in response to my fear of the procedures.

My family is blessed to be in the hands of a wonderful dentist, and I fully understand the benefit of regular care, but my anxiety is so exaggerated that I procrastinated this routine appointment.

Is this an issue of faith? Is this just a quirky hang up or something larger? In reflecting on fear and faith, I came to a point that my fear and anxiety was in fact a form of unbelief.

My fear was determining my behavior. I rested in the reality of my anxiety, and in that moment it was bigger that my faith in the God of the universe. Crazy, and unfaithful (big word for sin).

I have the great blessing of great medical care, care that will enhance my life—such opportunity should result in my thankfulness, regardless of physical discomfort.

I needed to remember such things are gifts, and to dismiss or grumble over them is in fact a faithless (sinful) response, and instead give thanks to God for such blessing and benefit.

Before penning this entry, I called the doctor’s office and look forward to a long overdue appointment in two weeks.
Heavenly Father, I give thanks that your presence is everywhere, even the seemingly little circumstances. I give thanks that you care about those little things that I allow to become big when I approach them without remembering my faith and your grace is the lens through which I should look at all things. Help me remember that when I am tempted to settle in destructive emotions. Thank you for willing and wanting for us so much more than to live in fear, but in your purpose. In Your Son’s Powerful Name I Pray…