Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Anxiety = a feeling of worry, nervousness, or
unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain
outcome. (Dictionary.com)
Fear
and anxiety sneaks into my heart and mind without permission. It is one of the enemy’s most popular weapons
that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety,
fear, whatever you want to call it, can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of
darkness, controlling our every move and decision. It
paints a picture of helplessness and hopelessness. It stops our peace and concentration.
What
causes me anxiety? I am concerned about
the health and safety of my loved ones.
I worry about the possibility of addiction and death (I’ve worked for a
drug unit for 16 years and my first husband died at 39 years of age). I worry about the relationships, careers, and
lifestyles my children get into. I worry
that they won’t believe. What I have
found is that fear/anxiety/worry turns my focus inward and reveals a heart that
sometimes finds it difficult to trust.
Just
this process of having a topical study has pushed me to address this issue head
on – and this is only our second week!!
When the worries strike and I was pressed to study Psalm 34, I realized
that we all need to learn to “let go and let God”. When we pray or hand over to God what is
stacking up in our hearts and minds, He sees that we truly believe and trust in
Him that He is in control of whatever is burdening us. Once He knows our hearts and minds have truly
surrendered the anxiety causing disturbance, He takes over and we are at peace
with Him (2 Peter 3:14).
“But
those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10b). It all boils down to
making a choice, and it’s not always easy. I can choose not to allow fear and anxiety to
control my life. I can choose to guard
my own heart. I can choose to focus my
mind on what is true in the midst of uncertain times. David wrote the Psalm after pretending to be
insane in order to escape from King Achish (1 Samuel 21:10-15) – that certainly
was a time of uncertainty!
It
is true, once you learn to trust God – that means, truly surrendering what
doesn’t belong to you, you will be able to claim “taste and see that the Lord
is good” and just how “blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (34:8)
I
know that I still have moments of anxiety, but God is truly with me. I have to make the choice to believe. I may not be in control, but I can trust the
One who is. I definitely do not know the
future, but I know the God who does.
All
that stuff that’s on your mind – Give it to Him – again! Replace those fearful thoughts with His word. God knows what concerns you – He’s got you
covered!