Anxiety stems from the unknown and can consume our everyday thoughts and life. However, anxious thoughts can be fought and won with what we do know: God sacrificed His only Son on our behalf. Through God’s reassurance to Abraham in Genesis 15 and God’s truth in Scripture, we learn that the hope of the gospel conquers our anxiety and any uncertainty of our future. Although we may feel unsure of our immediate future, we do know our eternal future and have the ability to live in that hope on Earth.

Scripture References

Genesis 15
Mark 15:33
1 Peter 5:6-7
Philippians 4:6-7
Luke 11:1
Hebrews 11:10

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1. Even Abraham, a man of great faith and great obedience, had anxious moments where he needed reassurance of God’s faithfulness. When in your life do you feel the need for this reassurance? In what areas of your life is anxiety consuming your thoughts?
2. The core of anxiety often is the unknown of the future. When our thoughts are filled with bad information or anticipation of events that have yet to happen, we need to learn to replace them with the truth of the gospel. In what ways do you struggle with this? Why do you think it is difficult to make this discipline a habit?
3. In our moments of anxiety, we can trust in the power of God’s Word. We need to learn to humbly cast our anxiety into God’s hands (1 Peter 5:6-7), stay in constant prayer (Philippians 4:6-7, Luke 11:1), and confidently look forward to our eternal Kingdom and redemption (Hebrews 11:10). Which of these is more difficult for you? What are some practical ways you can better focus on casting your anxiety, praying, or looking forward?

Thoughts to Consider

– “The flaming torch” in Genesis 15:17 is the manifestation of God as He reveals Himself to Abram. Through this verse, God reassures Abram by giving him a picture of the gospel—the ripping of the carcasses parallels the ripping apart of Jesus that covers our darkness and carries the weight of our sin.
– The God who has passed through the flames on our behalf will bring us peace and strength that is beyond explanation.
– The more we attempt to take control of the circumstances of our life, the more we let anxiety control us. Our anxieties will significantly lessen when we let a loving Heavenly Father take charge of our life.