I’m leading some of our staff through a study on Ephesians 1:3-14 this summer. One sentence in Greek, this passage is power-packed with some of the richest theology in the New Testament regarding our position in Christ.

Last week, we studied verse 11. “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Either this is true or it isn’t. Either God “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will” or He doesn’t. If He does, then there are huge implications for our lives.

Anxiety reveals two things about us – unbelief and pride. Unbelief because on some level, I don’t really believe that God works all things according to the counsel of His will. If I did, then I would not be anxious. Anxiety is an issue of belief. Do I really believe that God is in control and that He is good? When I don’t, I grasp for control out of fear.

Anxiety also reveals pride.

“It takes pride to be anxious. You are not wise enough to know how your life should go.” – Tim Keller

In my anxiety, I assume that I do know how things ought to go, and I’m anxious because they aren’t going according to my plan. I need to realize, in humility, that I simply don’t know how my life should go. As I look back at my own life, I’ve found that in the midst of the unforeseen twists and turns and disappointments, God was actively working to accomplish His plan. His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

What this means for me is that I have needed to repent a lot lately. This has been a tough season for us, and what I’m realizing is that my tendency towards anxiety is really a pattern of unbelief and pride in my heart.