Be Anxious For Nothing.
We live in a world where anxiety is common. Far more people than you can imagine grapple with this challenge, and the number is only growing as many people are worried about what’s happening in our world. Some professionals estimate that at least one-third to one-half of people have major levels of anxiety.
Most people recognize that worry of any variety takes a toll on their mental wellbeing. Fewer are aware of the physical side effects. In the short term, our body’s natural response to stress isn’t harmful — adrenaline, increased heart rate, and blood flow help us to focus on a problem and constructively deal with them.
Stress that goes on and on, however, even if it’s related to normal, everyday difficulties, produces effects that are unhealthy. Many of the things we worry about are small things while others are significant. Some worries are rational, while others are in the irrational category.
The world offers a myriad of practical suggestions for battling anxiety — exercise, getting more sleep, support groups, individual counseling, therapy, and many others. These ideas could help you to some degree. There’s no reason not to implement strategies that you find supportive.
But it’s far more helpful to recognize that there is One who has conquered anxiety. Because of God’s immense love for us, He clearly tells us in scripture that there’s a way to experience peace in spite of anxious thoughts.
Don’t Worry About Anything?
God commands us not to be anxious. That must mean it’s possible to live without anxiety. It would be unreasonable for God to command us to do something that isn’t attainable.
Being tempted to worry, and giving in to the anxiety, are two different things. Situations that lead to anxiety aren’t going to magically disappear once you reach some level of spiritual maturity.
God is the one who provides the ability and the strength to grow in battling anxiety. Surviving the assaults of anxiety is not meant to be a solo journey. Putting all your confidence in yourself to just work harder at not being anxious is destined to fail.
You play a significant role in your own spiritual growth. Developing a habit of communicating with God about your anxiety and asking Him for help is essential. If you’re not already in the habit of praying, start small and ask Him for help. You can start by just saying, “Help!”
God’s Perfect Love.
Because you are God’s child, you can know that He loves you very much. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you can run to God in prayer. Prayer isn’t meant to only be used in crises.
Prayer is simply talking with God, the way you’d talk with a close friend. Addressing worries in your life should begin with prayer. You can praise and worship Him as part of prayer, as well as share your worries and thoughts.
Just like a parent would enjoy talking with a cherished child, our heavenly Father wants to hear all the cares that you want to talk about. The good, the bad, and the ugly. He knows it all anyway. We approach Him reverently, but at the same time with freedom and confidence since Christ paved the way.
Gratefulness Drives Out Worry.
How do you turn your gaze away from the challenges and turn to God? One of the best ways is to describe past and current blessings. You can offer up thanksgiving to God for all He has given you and all He has done on your behalf.
There is so much you can thank Him for — from small, everyday provisions to truly significant ones. The list of things to be thankful for is endless! An attitude of thanksgiving has a connection to experiencing inward peace.
Reflecting on God’s goodness reminds you that He is good and that He is in control. It’s not you, others, or your circumstances that determine what’s going to happen. When you’re feeling anxious or worried, try flipping the script.
Pull out a journal and start writing blessings down. With each blessing, pause and thank God for it. Try to make this a daily habit. The more grateful you are, the less anxious you’ll be.
Specific Prayers For Specific Worries.
Throughout the Bible, God invites you to bring very specific prayer requests to Him. Of course, God already knows what you want or need, since He sees and knows all, but you are told to ask for it.
If God already knows what we need, why should we ask Him? Because when we see God answer our specific prayers, it reminds us that He loves us and is active in our lives.
Tell God specifically what you want or need and ask Him to provide that for you. Even though God knows what you want or need, He tells you to ask Him for it. God is able to answer vague prayers but being precise helps you to recognize that you’re actually taking part in what God is doing.
This doesn’t mean that you’ll get everything you ask for, or that God will always solve situations in the way that you are hoping He will or in the timing you prefer. God may know that what we’re requesting isn’t necessarily the best solution. He is the master planner.
When I ask God for something I like to know that He already wants to give me what I ask for. So I like my prayers to agree with what is already written in the bible. Once I’ve prayed I stand in Faith and wait for the answer to appear. The wait can be much longer than I’d like, sometimes weeks, months, even years, but I know, as long as I keep standing in faith, and believing that I will receive what He has promised, I know I will one day see the answer to my prayers.
Roy Clayton.
