Are you anxious about anything? Let me throw out a generalization—or an unsubstantiated guess—that if you aren’t worried about anything right at this moment, you have been in the past and will most likely fall prey to it in the future. It’s human nature—and part of our sin nature. It’s probably one of the most effective tools Satan uses to keep our focus off God, and it gives him (the sneaky devil) a foothold.
I probably have less to fret over than anyone I know. I’m married to the most even-natured, loving man God’s placed on this earth. Thank You, Jesus! He’s godly, frugal, and supportive. Okay, you might be questioning my appreciation for his frugality. Trust me when I say a man who is a good steward with the finances is far better than one who is not. Just being in the same room with Chris takes my blood pressure down a notch or two.
There is nothing in my life to complain about, yet I still wake in the middle of the night with my mind spinning out of control. What if questions are the worst; am I right?
You’d think a person who spends the first hour of every morning communing with God would have a better handle on anxiety. I’m in the Word every day, and I believe all the Lord’s promises and every bit of Jesus’s red-letter text. So, does worrying mean my faith is weak? It does make me wonder how I’ll respond if something truly horrifying happens—the likes of which those in Israel are dealing with right now. I think about other countries where being a Christian is illegal, and following Jesus is cause for prison—or worse. Freedom of religion is a gift we should never take for granted.
Maybe you’re dealing with a health issue or a broken relationship that haunts you. Maybe your children aren’t saved, and it sickens you to think of what will happen if they never turn their hearts to Jesus. Maybe it’s the chaos and evil that’s rampant in the world, and you’re feeling hopeless. It could be a financial burden keeping you awake at night. I get it. Been there myself (refer above to my admiration for a frugal spouse).
You can find multiple Bible verses in the New Testament focused on fear or worry. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, 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 that food, and the body more important than clothes?” He goes on to remind us that God cares for the birds of the air, and we are much more valuable than they.
But how do we come to a place where knowing this is so intimately embedded in our spirit that we rest in it? I’m not a theologian, but I have a few ideas that might help.
From the time I surrendered my life to Christ, I was told it’s important to memorize scripture. I love Corinthians 3:3—And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. When the seeds of anxiety start to press into my spirit, it’s important that I can replace the enemy’s lies with God’s truth.
Most Christians know (and have memorized) Philippians 4:6-7—Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (NIV).
But it’s the next two verses that tell us how to do this—Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I know it’s a long few verses to memorize, but even the exercise of doing so is helpful in taking those anxious thoughts captive.
Knowing—absolutely knowing—that God has every concern of ours in his control can help us put things into perspective. We might be thrown for a loop, but He’s not. He allows it, and He will use it. It’s a promise, and God cannot lie. It goes against His nature.
Pray. This should actually be the first thing we do, but more often than not, it’s a last resort. I don’t know about you, but I get so wrapped up in the situation, I forget this oh-so-important step until I’m already frazzled. But when I do, God is always faithful to wash me in a blanket of peace. This is why 1 Thessalonians says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (ESV).
It’s not a one-and-done exercise. The Lord wants us to be in communion with him all the time. Pray without ceasing. And I believe He allows some things in my life so I will come running to Him like a child in need of a hug from her daddy. He’s our Abba Father, and He loves us far more than our earthly fathers ever could. Picture yourself wrapped in a huge God-hug. If that doesn’t stop your mind from spinning, I don’t know what will.
I’d love to hear from you. If there is something that works well to get your anxiety under control that I haven’t mentioned here (or if you’d like to share how one or more of these has worked for you), please post a comment. I truly love to hear from my readers, and I know others will, too.
