Anxiety after successful ministry

Been musing this am on a couple of biblical passages where God’s children fell to anxiety and fear after wildly successful ministry. Consider Elijah’s experience on Mt. Carmel and then his running to the desert in fear of his life. Consider Peter’s proximity to a number of miracles only to fall back to fear and self-focus. Consider the passage of Luke 10-12. The 72 were sent out and performed amazing miracles; even the demons submitted to them (10:17). I’m sure the stories of God’s power spread quickly among Jesus’ followers. I’ll bet many were riding high. Now notice how then end of chapter 10 through 12 the number times Jesus addresses the worries of his followers:

1. Martha’s fretting
2. Teaching on prayer and the need to be bold (the stories that follow remind the listeners to be bold and to trust in God’s good gifts)
3. Notice the opposition that they face in chapter 11
4. Chapter 12: Jesus warns of the coming opposition but encourages the followers to not fall into worry.

Jesus knows of spiritual and fleshly warfare that his followers will face. He calls them his “little flock” and tenderly reminds them of their inheritance and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide them in all ways.
How might his flock worry? About earthly possessions, basic human needs of food, water, and clothing, of what to say when we are asked to defend ourselves, of despair that he will come again, and more. These are the little and big things that tempt us to forget what we have seen and to fear (meaning fall prey to trying to control the outcomes of our world by self-protection, overthinking, assuming too much responsibility for others, etc.).

God knows our tendency to fear. He commands us to remember His power to save and to guide in the face of trials and tribulations. Take courage, repeat his promises until you can taste them and see that they are good.