Have you awakened at 2 am, heart racing, mind whirling, full of worry about something in your life? That is anxiety! Have you felt that life is at the edge of falling apart, pulled in several directions at the same time by competing responsibilities, so tense that you cannot rest? That is anxiety! Have you tried to wind down in the evening only to find your mind unable to stop, stuck in that awful encounter with someone earlier in the day? That is anxiety!
Everyone worries about someone or something at least occasionally. About one out of three people experience anxiety in a way that that find carrying on with daily life almost impossible. Telling an anxious person to “settle down” or to just “get over it” is like telling the ocean waves to stop but, there are ways to manage anxiety, to retrain our thoughts so that we are not overwhelmed or controlled by it.
God’s Word speaks often to the subject, teaching Christ’s followers how to live in peace. There is no instant cure, like throwing a switch on a light. It is a learned way of life, which becomes a pattern when we practice the choices that defeat the awful miseries of anxious thoughts.
Jesus says “I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “ So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6)
What does HE teach us about anxiety?
1. We defeat anxiety by keeping our priorities right.
Our lives are more than our stuff, our position, our houses, or the balance in our bank account. We must not dismiss His counsel that God cares and provides! How easily do we slip into the attitude that our security is all up to us, don’t we? Yes, we must be responsible about how we use our resources, but no amount of tossing and turning in the night will make a difference.
2. We defeat anxiety by building faith.
Many feel as though faith is something that falls on us out of nowhere or that it is the special ability of a few people who have learned some esoteric spirituality. In fact, faith comes by practice, by choice, and is made stronger when practiced. We can focus on our perceived lack, on our disappointment, on the uncertainties of our existence – and these are real issues – or Jesus says we can bring to mind the goodness of God, the way that HE provides even for the creatures around us.
Turn off the cable news channel instead of fretting about
the state of the world.
Read the Scripture’s assurance – “Even when I walk through the darkest
valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your
staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23)
Pray, even if it is just a whispered “Jesus, be near,” that shapes your
meditation.
Walk with others who love God and let their faith infect you!
3. Do right things, godly things.
Anxiety is often accompanied with temptation! We may want to blame someone for what is wrong. We may want to spend money, eat too much, sleep the day away, or find some distraction in things that will ultimately hurt us. Jesus says, “seek the kingdom of God first and live righteously.”
Sometimes we can only make that choice just for that moment or that day. But choosing God’s way allows the peace of the Spirit to own our mind and heart.
My friend, we can defeat anxiety. Peace is your birthright as God’s child! Ultimately, this peace of God comes from peace with God and that is His gift of grace. Put yourself in His hands. Accept His offer of reconciliation with your Father in Heaven. Let Him be Lord of life.
Here is a word from the Word. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV) Amen.
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