Anxiety is an issue that people everywhere seem to deal with. In our fast paced world that just seems to keep moving faster and faster, anxiety seems to have become the norm and an accepted problem to have.
I’ve been praying about this and asking God to show me what He says about anxiety. If you read last weeks post God Gave Me More Than I Could Handle you know that my family has been going through a trial that has shook us up a bit. God has reminded me over and over that He has our backs. Yet, I find myself having days where I feel worried and anxious. When I realize that this is how I’m feeling I stop and give it to God but it brings this question to my mind – Can we get to a place where we just believe so deeply in God’s faithfulness that we no longer feel anxious?
I have to believe we can, otherwise God would not tell us not to be anxious in His Word.
“Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”
Philippians 4:6 Amplified
I decided to do a little research on the word anxiety. I love studying the scripture and looking up the Hebrew and Greek meanings of words as I study. I have just begun but I found this intersting:
The Greek Word for anxiety is Merimnao – It essentially means to be divided into parts, to be distracted or to go to pieces.
* Could it be that we feel anxious when we are not 100% sure of God’s love and faithfulness to us?
* Do we feel anxious when we are listening to messages or advice that is contrary to God’s truth?
* Could it be that we get distratcted by our circumstances and take our eyes off of Jesus?
Here are three biblical ways you can begin to overcome anxiety.
1. Prayer and Petition. When you feel anxious pray sepcific prayers to God. Tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to help you trust. Talk to Him about your situation and let Him remind you of His faithfulness. Continue to make your wants known to God. Stay in constant communion with Him.
2. Give Thanks. Praise God for the victories in your life. Thank Him for what you do have and thank Him for the victory that is in the making for your current situation.
3. Keep Your Eyes On Jesus. Instead of focusing on what you see focus on what God says is true. Fill your heart and mind with the true Gospel of Grace. When what you see doesnt line up, praise Him for His faithfulness. God is ALWAYS true to His Word. Never give up on looking to Him ad learning to trust and believe Him more!
That’s my two cents for the day.
I would love to hear your thoughts on how this post has impacted you! Leave a comment.
BIO: Daveda Schmidlin is a happy wife, mother, and grandmother. She is a speaker, teacher, author and former pastor who is passionate about the Gospel of Grace. Her message is sincere, encouraging, simple and profound. Her words will set people free from condemnation and will help usher them into a deeper revelation and understanding of God’s great love.