Feeling on Edge?

A lot of Americans are stressed and anxious. Anxiety shows up differently in our lives. Some of us become moody and withdrawn. Some eat too much! Some try to turn it off with alcohol or drugs. Some seek diversions in fun, TV, spending money, etc. Some cry.  Most do not sleep well.  

Washington D.C. psychologist Bob Rosenblatt, says that anxiety is common. “The times are uncertain," Rosenblatt tells WebMD. "The two things that create anxiety are lack of security and lack of safety. Usually that means financial issues or physical harm. And what is facing most Americans? The economy is awful, so economic security is threatened. And we're told to watch out for physical threats all the time. The only normal response to this is an increased level of anxiety."

In addition to the threats, real and perceived, that create anxiety, many Americans lead driven lives. Multiple demands on our time, combined with high expectations that we have for ourselves, will keep our motor racing and that wears us out, literally.  Throw in an experience of helplessness, an encounter with illness, a death of a friend or family member, the loss of a job – and you have all the ingredients for being anxious.

Can Christians be anxious?  Of course they can. Christians live in the same world as everyone else! Many Christians are not emotionally healthy because they 'bury' their feelings underneath the words of faith, refusing to acknowledge the reality of their emotions. Do not think you lack faith if you're experiencing elevated levels of anxiety! If you're anxious, admit it! What then?  Some choices ought to be just common sense.

Know your limits. Most of us cannot exist for any length of time on 4 hours of sleep, so turn off the TV or PC, put the phone away, take a hot shower, and go to bed! Fatigue is fuel for anxious thoughts.

Finish something.  A dozen unfinished projects create tension.  Focus on one, sticking with it until it’s done.  Then, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that follows.

Accept imperfection. I don’t mean compromise with sin or do shoddy work but accept the fact that nobody gets everything they want every day. People will disappoint us. Illness will come our way. Plans will go awry. There is a ton of peace in letting go of the need to ‘fix it.’

Christians should make these choices, too.  They will bring the peace of God to their hearts in the middle of life's storm.

PRAY! Engage yourself with God's Presence. Speak honestly with the Lord about the state of your heart. If you're afraid, tell Him. If you're feeling hopeless, tell Him. Remember to include praise and worship in your prayer time. It is tragic that too many of us use prayer only as a kind of 'shopping' list. Set aside time to simply be with God-- perhaps in silence, perhaps in song, or maybe with your favorite worship CD playing.  urges us to get active in dealing with our anxiety!  The Spirit invites us to peace. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

GATHER! Join with other Christians, family, and friends. God never intended for us to 'go it alone.' That foolishness about standing tall and self-sufficient is an American romantic idea far removed from real life! We need each other. Reach out in this time. Talk with others. Worship with others. Help your friends by allowing discussions go beyond superficial jokes and laughter. Do not be afraid if emotions bubble to the surface. Galatians 6:2  (NLT) teaches us that we must "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ."   Paul tells us that "When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Live in harmony with each other.  Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary  people. And don't think you know it all!" Romans 12:15-16 NLT

GET SPIRITUAL, look up! We can lower our eyes until even the molehill in front of us looks like a mountain. Jesus teaches us to shift perspective. When things pile up, look higher, He says.  Here’s the word from the Word.  Take time to savor the truth here. Pray your way through His encouragement. Pause to process it.  Discover new peace for today. "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? … So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans  (people who do not know God) run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:25-33, NIV)

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Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,

Pilgrim through this barren land.

I am weak but Thou art mighty,

Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand.

Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,

Feed me now and ever more,

Feed me now and ever more.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,

Bid my anxious fears subside.

Death of death and hell's destruction,

Land me safe on Canaan's side.

Songs of praises, songs of praises,

I will ever give to Thee.

I will ever give to Thee.

John Hughes | Peter Williams | William Williams

© Words: Public Domain