Harris Faulkner speaks on backbone of faith, and the power of prayer in new book
‘Faith Still Moves Mountains’ is now available for purchase on HarperCollins, Amazon, and more.
"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:5-7).
As we draw nearer to the holidays, we also draw closer to our never-ending tasks. We're busy with planning, shopping, baking, cleaning — and somehow still having dedicated time with those we love.
How quickly the holidays can turn into a time of stress, turmoil and even loneliness if we aren’t intentional with kind efforts and a gracious attitude, said one North Carolina pastor.
BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: OUR TROUBLES IN LIFE ARE ‘ONLY TEMPORARY, OUR FUTURE IS ’WITH CHRIST'
"In this fast-paced life, we all can think of numerous times when we allowed the demand for our time — and the lack thereof — to become a stressor as we fight to check every box on our ever-growing to-do-list," John K. Amanchukwu Sr., associate pastor at Upper Room Church of God in Christ in Raleigh, told Fox News Digital via email.
How quickly the holidays can turn into a time of stress, turmoil and even loneliness if we aren’t intentional with kind efforts and a gracious attitude, says North Carolina pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr. (iStock)
Amanchukwu, who is also on faculty of Summit Ministries in Manitou Springs, Colorado, explained the opening verses of 1 Peter 5 to see what they tell us about stress.
In 1 Peter 5:5-6, the "once-rebellious and defunct apostle of Jesus" reaches "a level of spiritual maturity" that he "longs to see lived out in the lives of all Christians," Amanchukwu said.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: HERE'S WHAT IT IS – AND WHAT IT ISN'T
In verse 5, which references Proverbs 3:34 within it, Peter keys in on the "intergenerational significance of humility."
He admonishes "both young and seasoned elders" to "submit to each other in an open display of perfect harmony," said Amanchukwu.
Peter "builds his case" for the "pivotal lesson" about "ridding our lives of unnecessary bouts of pressure, stress and the smothering chokehold that comes along with them," in the opening verses of 1 Peter 5, said Amanchukwu. (iStock)
In verse 6, he notes, "Peter furthers his "command for submission" by linking "promotion and exaltation" to people's "ability to subject themselves to God."
This sets the stage for verse 7, he said — in which humility and kindness toward one another brings a shared ability to cast our cares on God.
The lesson within these verses is that "where there is the lack of humility, there is an abundance of anxiety, but where there is humility, anxiety is forced to flee," said Pastor Amanchukwu of North Carolina. (iStock)
Noting that the apostle Peter goes from the topic of humility to the topic of anxiety in these opening verses, Peter "builds his case" for the "pivotal lesson" about "ridding our lives of unnecessary bouts of pressure, stress and the smothering chokehold that comes along with them," said Amanchukwu.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
"If we are humble while waiting for the timing of God’s plan for our lives," he continued, "this will lead us to cast our doubts and despair upon the Lord."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The lesson within these verses is that "where there is the lack of humility, there is an abundance of anxiety, but where there is humility, anxiety is forced to flee," he said.
Stay tuned for more Bible verses of the day during the Advent season. To see yesterday's Bible verse, click here.
Fox News Lifestyle
A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
