C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" offers a satirical glimpse into Satan's strategies to lead mankind astray and thwart God's plan. Through a series of letters from Screwtape, a senior demon, to his junior counterpart Wormwood, Lewis unveils the subtle tactics employed by the enemy. One of the most potent weapons in Satan's arsenal is anxiety about the future. Screwtape writes, "He (God) does not want men to give the future their hearts, to place their treasure in it. We do... we (Satan and his crew) want a man hag-ridden by the future – haunted by visions of an imminent heaven or hell upon earth.... We want a whole race perpetually in pursuit of the rainbow's end, never honest, nor kind, nor happy now, but always using as mere fuel wherewith to heap the altar of the future every real gift which is offered them in the present." This strategy aligns with Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
God exists outside of time, as stated in 2 Peter 3:8, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." We, however, live in the present moment. If Satan can succeed in preoccupying us with attempts to determine future outcomes or obsess over past events, he effectively distracts us from communing with God in the present. For some, the enemy keeps them trapped in the past, while for others, particularly those who have worked through past issues, he dangles the illusion of controlling the future. This aligns with Paul's advice in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
The irony lies in our recognition that we lack control, yet we remain enthralled by its illusion. There's an allure in mentally manipulating future events and anticipating potential obstacles. However, this thought pattern can lead to a cascade of imaginary problems, eventually immobilizing us with anxiety as we realize our powerlessness. This struggle is reminiscent of Jesus' teachings in Luke 12:25-26, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"
Freedom from this cycle begins with acknowledging our powerlessness, echoing the words of Jeremiah 10:23, "Lord, I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps." Honest reflection on our lives reveals pivotal moments shaped by unanticipated factors beyond our control. Secondly, we must learn to anchor our minds on the promises of God's presence. Even when we don't feel Him, His Word assures us of His constant companionship (Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). God's eternal nature (Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8) allows us to focus on the obedience, perseverance, grace, and gratitude required of us in the present moment, while holding onto the hope of eternity.
This practice is challenging, especially for those who struggle with anxiety. However, growth is possible in learning to step out of our mental spirals and embrace the present moment as God's gift. The apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." It's crucial to share these struggles with others, resisting the enemy's attempts to silence us through shame. Community support is vital, as emphasized in Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
God doesn't forbid us from considering the future, but He wants us to understand that His constant presence eliminates the need for worry or anxiety about what's to come. As Isaiah 41:10 reassures us, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." We can anchor ourselves in the promise of an ultimate future with Him, as described in Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This eternal perspective allows us to rest today in His perfect peace, as promised in Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Prayer,
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart heavy with worry and a mind clouded by anxiety about the future. Lord, I know that You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and that all my days are held in Your hands. I confess my tendency to try to control what is beyond my grasp, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Please grant me the strength to release my fears to You and the wisdom to focus on Your presence in this moment. Help me to trust in Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Remind me daily of Your faithfulness, Your constant presence, and Your unending love. Give me the courage to share my struggles with others and the humility to lean on the support of my brothers and sisters in Christ. May I find rest in the shelter of Your wings and hope in the promise of Your eternal kingdom.
In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen.
