Beating Anxiety

"For Christ himself has brought peace to us."
Ephesians 2:14 (NLT)

 I look out the window and see that the rain has come again this morning. It's been a week of rainy days, and some might complain because outside activities were canceled. This is Texas, and we know that rain happens sporadically in April and May. Still, as I look at the wet ground, my mind goes to how sparkling clean everything appears. The patio that needed washing is now shining as the rain droplets fall on those darkened spots and wash away the dirt. I think of how the Holy Spirit does the same. He transforms us and washes us clean each day as we renew our minds in Him.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Romans 12:2a (NIV)

 The rain stops, and the sun begins to rise above the clouds. Each day this week has repeated the early rain, followed by sunshine. With the beauty of the sun hitting the gleaming porch, it reminds me of His glory reflected in the clean puddles. His glory is reflected in the raindrops clinging to the trees and bushes; in the quiet hush after the patter of the rain; and in all the green beauty my eyes feast upon. I journal, "Oh Lord, You show Yourself in so many ways, allowing my heart to swell with love for You."

Much of what happened starting in 2020 disrupted our sense of peace. The first outbreak of the coronavirus crippled this country and sparked panic in our hearts. We were becoming a nation filled with anxiety, worry, and self-preservation. Nationally, anxiety levels have more than doubled since 2019. Now we have Iran, Israel, and Russia threatening to help Iran because the U.S. supports Israel. It makes you want to hide under the covers and never come out because it stirs such anxiety. Yet, as Christians, we know the final outcome. God is always victorious.

Anxiety is a common emotional state characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and unease, which can also appear through physical symptoms and behavioral changes. It is a natural response to stressful situations or perceived threats. Our minds get trapped in worry that turns into anxiety, which takes on a life of its own, spreading through our thoughts like a virus. Anxiety can start as a small hill and escalate into a mountain in your mind. It can spiritually suffocate us. I imagine weeds taking over a once-flourishing garden, choking out the other plants. When we experience this choking sensation, we call upon the Lord and, through the Holy Spirit, invite Him to begin His work within us.

How can we be a positive Christian witness when we are filled with anxiety, negativity, and anger? I know, as believers, we shouldn't experience so much anxiety, but it sometimes sneaks in. During these times, the Holy Spirit is always there to comfort us. The Lord remains steady and grounds us. He is our constant. He is our assurance, providing firmness of mind and undoubted steadiness and peace. When I begin to feel anxious, emotions arise, and my goal is to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, just as the scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:5. I pray until I feel a release and then listen to worship music.

Matthew 6 summarizes this well: "Don't worry about your life…" "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life...?" "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

We trust and have faith in the Lord to give us our peace, not in listening to or watching negative news. Instead, choose to listen to and watch informative news. Rely on Him to bring His peace, which guides us to a much better place emotionally and physically.

"I am leaving you a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27 (NLT)

God's word tells us to be wise. Our thoughts are invisible to others, but the Lord knows our thoughts from afar. By not allowing our anxious feelings to wreck our emotions, we rebuke the thoughts causing anxiety. Worshipping and praising Him sets my mind on the good things of the Lord. Through faith that is accompanied by trust, anxiety is dispelled.

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Another way I come to terms with anxiety is by talking it through with a trusted person. Many times, I have done this, and my mountain of anxiety dissipates. If I have a list that causes me anxiety, I put first things first. In other words, I list the most important priority first, then continue down the list. There is a saying: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

 I wonder if Jesus was anxious when He went to the garden and prayed alone. I think how blessed we are to have a Savior who loves us so much that He surrounds us with a peace that surpasses all understanding. He is in every circumstance of our lives. Sometimes we may not feel it, but He is always with us. We are watered bountifully by the Holy Spirit when we are thirsty and need refreshment.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Matthew 5:6 (NLT)

Recognizing God's power can alleviate anxiety and replace it with peace, even in the most challenging circumstances. He will supply all we need to combat our anxiety.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

For Him to accomplish His peace within us, we are responsible for doing our part by controlling our responses. We rest in His arms of peace with faith and trust and allow peace to conquer those fears, anxiety, and worry. When you experience the onset of anxiety, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, and it will ease your anxious mind. When you are filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, your anxiety will melt away.

Let's pray:

Lord, You are far superior to anything that can touch me. Forgive me for allowing anxiety to disrupt my life instead of listening to You. You are my source of strength. You are my true supplier of all my needs. You are always the Peace-giver, guiding and directing me. As my heart searches for You, fear and worry vanish. No more horizontal eyes, but vertical eyes toward You. I am declaring that Your love for me overrides all anxiety. Show me all the good things You are accomplishing in my life. I will put my faith and trust in You as Your peace seeps into my soul. I will praise and worship You in the chaos all the days of my earthly life. Amen.