Being anxious wears us down because it is based on our fear. When we are afraid of something, we become anxious, and we can be anxious about anything. So when we feel anxious, we need to identify what we are fearful of because there are times we do not know why we are afraid. Our Heavenly Father knows that we will struggle with anxiety; as a result, the Bible is filled with scriptures that encourage us not to be anxious. Philippians 4:6 says, "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." Everybody struggles with fear, including the mighty men of God in the Bible, such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and the disciples.
How can we have peace when we are filled with anxiety? The first thing that we need to do is to identify what we are afraid of. If we do not know our fears, we can ask our Heavenly Father to reveal to us what our fears are. Then when we know the reason for our fears, we can specifically lift them up to God one by one. There are times that I feel anxious, especially when I am overwhelmed with my personal needs, such as finances, health, relationships, and ministry. There are times that I cannot sleep, but when I start to pray for each concern that I have and completely put my trust in the Lord, then I feel safe once again, and the peace of God guards my heart and mind.
As believers, we need to learn to trust God with all of our hearts to overcome our fear. We need to speak the truth of God in our minds, such as Philippians 4:19, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus," Psalm 54:4 says, "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." When we feel anxious, we need to pray to God, remind ourselves of the promises of God in the Bible, and trust God with all of our hearts. Then the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Ask yourself these questions: When I feel anxious, what are my fears? What should I do when I am fearful? How can I overcome my anxiety?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, you are my help in times of my needs, and you know every circumstance I have. You have the answers to all my questions and fears, and you care about me. Please help me to pray to you when I am overwhelmed with anxiety and trust you completely that your peace may guard my heart and mind. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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