Do you struggle with anxiety... (Part 2)

Do you struggle with anxiety? Last week, I shared my own struggles with anxiety and we began looking for ways to help manage it. Scripture is a great place to start.

1 Peter 5:7 reads, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

My study note takes me to Philippians 4:6-7 which reads. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Scripture actually gives us our road map.

pray
ask God
be thankful

The other day, I was in a pretty stressful situation at work. My mind was racing. But in that moment, I paused, took a really deep breath and uttered a little prayer for help. Then, I tried to find something to be grateful for. I was amazed at the peace that came over me. I believe in moments like these, God steps in and Christ begins guarding our hearts and minds. Thanks be to God!

Find something to be thankful for.

When we look to God first, in all situations, we are promised God’s peace. We don’t have to understand it. We only need to trust God at His Word.

When I sold me business back in 2018, I thought I had a lot to worry about. I had traded one thing, my business, for a brand new thing, writing and speaking. What was I thinking? If given the chance, fear and worry can run rampant and quickly turn into anxiety.

That is why I have to pay attention to how I am feeling. And, more importantly, I have to tend to my practice. Daily prayer, scripture and meditation are my acts of self-care. These are the things that usher in peace. They protect my heart and my mind.

So here’s what I do;

pay attention to how I feel. Awareness is key. Notice my thoughts, my feelings.
ask the questions. How do I feel in this moment? Do I feel nervous or anxious? Why might I be feeling this way? (Be honest with yourself. If you are like me, you might lie to yourself.)
then, breathe. This one is a biggie. Even if I can’t answer the questions, as soon as I begin to notice those anxious thoughts, I begin breathing into them.
go to the scriptures. Fear is mentioned 500 times in the Bible. Why? Because we are afraid a lot of the time. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my righteous right hand.”
pray. Ask God to help. And believe that God will. Confess your fears. If you do not know what they are, ask God to reveal them to you. Then, trust God at God’s Word. And thank God or find something to be grateful for.
meditation/silence. I like to end my time in silence or practicing my breathing exercises using quiet meditation music. In these moments, listen for what God is speaking to your heart. Often, I hear “do not be afraid,” or “trust me.” Sometimes I even hear, “Shhhhh,” which tells me I need to spend more time listening and less talking.

Find your daily practice.

If you struggle with anxiety, I hope you can find comfort in the fact that God cares for you. When we slow down and listen, we can hear God. When we hear God, God will guide us. There is no better place to be than in the presence of Almighty God.

Let us pray,

God of peace, grant us the willingness to look to You in all things. Relieve us from all this worry and anxiety. Help us to thankful in all things. In Jesus Name, Amen.

P.S. Leave me a comment below because I love hearing from you. Forward to a friend that might be struggling with anxiety today. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. And join me back here next week, as we discover what’s in the center of all this anxiety. -M