Anxiety is faith in something other than the promise of God. Anxiety Is just the imagination, its believing that something is going to happen that you don’t desire to happen. And so, we start to believe in that more than we believe in God’s promises.
How do we combat anxiety? We combat anxiety by being reminded of God’s promises over our life. Jesus said, I came that you may have life and have It more abundantly.
Why does God expect us to be anxious for nothing? Because He gives us the solution to anxiety. The anxiety antidote is rejoicing. Finding joy in our journey takes away anxiety's power over us.
When we fully acknowledge the joy found in Jesus, we realize that we don't have to crumble or shatter when facing difficult trials. It's not that we should deny our feelings, but we can process those feelings in light of the fact that God will work it out.
It's when we acknowledge that our circumstance isn't good, but God still is that we can be filled with hope and cheer rather than anxiety. In fact, the Bible says that when we pray about everything with thanksgiving, bringing our cares, concerns, worries, and anxieties to God, we will experience His Comfort; His Peace that transcends all comprehension. (Philippians 4:7).
Most of the time when we carry things that God has not called us to carry. We make ourselves stressed, sick, frustrated, weighted down. Today, chose to put down the things that God has not called you to carry. Allow yourself to rest in his peace. If any situation you find yourself in and it, has you worrying, stressed, sick, etc.… then that my friend is not of God’s plan for you. Anything from God won’t cause you anxiety, worry or stress. These things bring on sickness…etc.
Exercise
1. What thoughts are you entertaining that’s causing you anxiety?
2. Are you the reason why you are stressed?
3. Take captive those thoughts and take them to Jesus in prayer, lay it before him and watch him give you peace.
Prayer: God, please forgive us for relying on ourselves instead of rejoicing in You. Lord, please help us to not forfeit the peace that passes all understanding by holding on to anxiety. Remind us that anxiety has no use other than prompting us to pray to You and praise You for all You've done, are doing, and will do in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Scripture Reference
Psalms 94:19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.