Anxiety

By Paula Williamson, guest writer

Fear and anxiety steal more from us than we realize. Most of what we worry about never happens. Anxious thoughts trigger the release of chemicals in our bodies that harm us. Being anxious produces nothing good. Would we keep putting our hand on a hot stove, knowing it would harm us? No. Put a stop to anxious thoughts!

It Is Written:

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 -7 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

JOHN 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

God’s Club

God offers what we cannot find anywhere else. Turning anxious thoughts into prayers to the One who can change them brings peace that guards our hearts. Jesus left us that peace when He ascended into heaven. Scripture does not say, "You might try this.” It clearly says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything." That shifts us from limitation to the expectation that God cares, loves us, and will bring about good, maybe not immediately, but eventually.

Prayer

Lord, I lay down any mistrust or misconceptions I have about You, Your goodness, Your faithfulness to Your Word, and Your people. I release my anxious thoughts to You about my life, family, circumstances, the world and I place my faith and trust in You and Your Word. I wait with childlike faith, thankfulness, and expectation.

Takeaway

Turn anxiety into a prayer to God.