DEVOTIONAL: Be anxious for nothing!
Be anxious for nothing……
Many times the unknown and challenges of life can cause anxiety. Are you experiencing anxiety due to past hurts, future uncertainties, health issues, financial problems? The bible tells us to be anxious for nothing. OK….so that means nothing! Reality is….because we live in uncertain times, there will be times of worry and a sense of nervousness that can lead to anxiety. I believe God knew we would have bouts of anxiety because the Bible says in, 1 Peter 5:7, “ Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” So what that tells me is God KNEW we would have anxiety about circumstances in life and He wanted us to know that all we had to do is cast them on Him and He would take care of everything else because He is a loving God that cares for us and what is going on in our lives. It is normal to be anxious about finances, the future, the unexpected and what we can’t control but you know what? You can’t control it, so let it go and let God just be God.
So you may lose your job…..”Be anxious for nothing…..God will provide another job and He may just be teaching you to trust Him. You may lose your home….”Be anxious for nothing”……God will provide another one. It may not be that big beautiful home you live in now but as long as you have a roof over your head, that is all that matters. You may not get that job you applied for….”Be anxious for nothing”…..God may have another job or another plan for your life. You were diagnosed with an illness and the outcome is not good…..”Be anxious for nothing”…..God can heal you here on earth so don’t give up hope because HE has the final word!
I have personally experienced times of anxiety especially since Addi’s illness. When I feel the anxiety rising up in me and I feel like panic is on the horizon, I have to turn to God and ask for His peace and assurance in the situation. As Christians, we have to put ALL trust and faith in God, in all situations. When Addi became so sick a year ago, I began to experience some anxiety. Anxiety comes from fear and fear comes from not trusting God. I prayed and prayed a lot about the anxiety I was feeling and WHY I was having it. I came to the place where I had peace knowing that if Addi lived she was going to be a miracle and I committed to God to praise Him for her life but I also came to a peace that if she died, God had used her life for His glory and she would be healed once she met Him face to face and we would praise Him for her life. Let me tell you, that is a hard place to come to but once I did, the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding filled my heart and there was no more anxiety because I knew regardless of the outcome, God loved her more than I ever could and His plan and purpose for her life was fulfilled no matter what happened. Anytime then and even now, the anxiety tries to creep in, I pray and resist it, then God feels me with peace. Anxiety comes from the enemy, so resist it and come into agreement with Gods word and trust Him.
How to control and overcome anxiety in your life:
When you feel the anxiety rising up in you, read this bible verse and do exactly what it says…. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
So this Bible verse is telling us if we want to overcome anxiety, we must do three things:
1-Pray
Pray and ask God to remove all anxiety. Ask God to take all the fear, stress and anything that is causing the anxiety. You have to commit the anxiety and worry to God and ask Him to give you faith in the situation.
2-Give thanks
Give thanks for all that God has done in your life and what He is going to do. Looking at your blessings and thanking God for your life and focusing on the positive can change your entire outlook. Even when you feel you don’t have much to be thankful for, you do!
3-Present your requests to God
Lay the anxiety and what is causing the anxiety at the feet of God and just KNOW that He is in control and will help you in whatever situation it may be. Trust and have faith that God never fails and is always on time.
When you realize that you have no control and all you can do is trust and believe in Gods plan, you can be released from the anxiety that is weighing heavy on your heart and mind. Life is not without uncertainties but God invites us to let go of all the fears, all the uncertainties and all that is causing anxiety and give them to Him because when we do, He will give us peace. Phillipians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer for Anxiety:
Dear Heavenly Father I come to you today and I lay all of my anxieties at your feet and I ask you to give me peace. I need your help and I need your peace and I ask you to give it to me today. Remind me to come to you in all circumstances and trust that you are in control and you are working all things for my good. God take my fears, take my worries, take my doubts, take all of the uncertainties of this life so that I can be at rest and living out your purpose for my life. Help me to focus on my blessings so that I see the good in my life even during the difficult times. Free me from anxiety God so that I may find rest in your loving arms. In Jesus name I pray….Amen
Bible Verses about anxiety
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears”
Psalm 34:4
“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”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10