The root of anxiety is fear. When life throws us curve balls our bodies can respond with a healthy dose of anxiety, flight or flight response to avoid danger; however, when we obsess and remain in a chronic state of being anxious, we are causing more spiritual, mental, and bodily harm. Our powerful mind can replay thoughts of fear that steals our joy, peace, and overall quality of life. This is not God’s will.
In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly“. A life abundant is a life of peace. In spite of the losses and damage, and the toll of trials, we have a promise — Jesus has His own peace that can be deposited into our hearts and minds. Even in the eye of the storm, His peace is available to you and me. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” Jesus said (John 14:27-28).
God created us as spirit, soul, and body. He created our complex human bodies. He knitted us together in our mother’s womb. He knew we would need His peace because none of us were born brave! When anxiety or fear of the unknown comes, we have a treasure in God that allows us to exchange our heaviness, concerns, fears, worries, and stresses for His peace. Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus gives us an alternative to anxiety, saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light“.
Where there is anxiety there is no rest, no peace, just a weighty heaviness that does not seem to lift no matter what we do. I have been there. I understand the frustration and not knowing how to find your way out of that pit of fear. I have asked myself, “Will I always be like this? Will my life have meaning again? What good am I? When will I get answers?” I have felt flawed, broken, and unloved by God.
After experiencing countless spiritual attacks of fear, I have learned: God is more interested in my growth and maturity then He is my comfort. He wants me to have faith and trust Him. The simplistic view of choosing faith over fear is elementary but it’s vital to winning the battle. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Don’t forget the second part to this verse! It says, “He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. Too many of us are giving up in our seeking. We give up because we don’t see the fruit of our labor. We are more concerned about finding answers than we are finding Jesus. We want what we want on our terms which usually involves the fastest and easiest route to our breakthrough. This path does not exist if we are doing things God’s way.
When grapes are crushed and aged you get wine. When olives are pressed you get the precious virgin oil. Diamonds come from volcanic magma that surfaces over time. All these precious products endure a timely process which makes them desirable, valuable, and precious. If you are a Christ follower and you prayed, fasted, and you’ve done all you know how to do to get free from anxiety, may I encourage you by saying that there’s another side to that difficult situation.
I don’t have all the answers but I point you toward the one who is the answer. I encourage you to keep seeking Jesus and know that He is God and He is a rewarder. I know that times and seasons change. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE. You can stand on His Word and take His peace when anxiety takes over your mind. We all feel anxious but we have a choice, that is, who will you trust more? I implore you to trust God more than you trust yourself. Anxiety does not stand a chance when we learn to focus on the giver of peace. What worked for me in conquering anxiety are the following: relinquishing my hold of control, let God be God (who knows and sees more than I can), remain in faith, renew your mind (hearing, thinking, and confessing the word of God), and live in a constant state of gratitude.
I pray that you take one more step closer to Jesus. Open you heart to hearing more of His voice daily. Through every storm and trial, He is there to give you His peace. You are more desirable, valuable, and precious to Him! He won’t let you go. When He is first and sits on the throne of your heart and mind, fear and anxiety can longer rule.
Blessings,
Amen sister. Great post!