We live in a world where anxiety is common. Far more people than you can imagine grapple with this challenge, and the number is only growing as many people are worried about what’s happening in our world. Some professionals estimate that at least one-third to one-half of people have major levels of anxiety.
Most people recognize that worry of any variety takes a toll on their mental wellbeing. Fewer are aware of the physical side effects. In the short term, our body’s natural response to stress isn’t harmful — adrenaline, increased heart rate, and blood flow help us to focus on a problem and constructively deal with them.
Stress that goes on and on, however, even if it’s related to normal, everyday difficulties, produces effects that are unhealthy. Many of the things we worry about are small things while others are significant. Some worries are rational, while others are in the irrational category.
The world offers a myriad of practical suggestions for battling anxiety — exercise, getting more sleep, support groups, individual counseling, therapy, and many others. These ideas could help you to some degree. There’s no reason not to implement strategies that you find supportive.
But it’s far more helpful to recognize that there is One who has conquered anxiety. Because of God’s immense love for us, He clearly tells us in scripture that there’s a way to experience peace in spite of anxious thoughts.
God commands us not to be anxious. That must mean it’s possible to live without anxiety. It would be unreasonable for God to command us to do something that isn’t attainable.
Being tempted to worry, and giving in to the anxiety, are two different things. Situations that lead to anxiety aren’t going to magically disappear once you reach some level of spiritual maturity.
God is the one who provides the ability and the strength to grow in battling anxiety. Surviving the assaults of anxiety is not meant to be a solo journey. Putting all your confidence in yourself to just work harder at not being anxious is destined to fail.
You play a significant role in your own spiritual growth. Developing a habit of communicating with God about your anxiety and asking Him for help is essential. If you’re not already in the habit of praying, start small and ask Him for help. You can start by just saying, “Help!”
Because you are God’s child, you can know that He loves you very much. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you can run to God in prayer. Prayer isn’t meant to only be used in crises.
Prayer is simply talking with God, the way you’d talk with a close friend. Addressing worries in your life should begin with prayer. You can praise and worship Him as part of prayer, as well as share your worries and thoughts.
Just like a parent would enjoy talking with a cherished child, our heavenly Father wants to hear all the cares that you want to talk about. The good, the bad, and the ugly. He knows it all anyway. We approach Him reverently, but at the same time with freedom and confidence since Christ paved the way.
When I ask God for something I like to know that He already wants to give me what I ask for. So I like my prayers to agree with what is already written in the bible. Once I’ve prayed I stand in Faith and wait for the answer to appear. The wait can be much longer than I’d like, sometimes weeks, months, even years, but I know, as long as I keep standing in faith, and believing that I will receive what He has promised, I know I will one day see the answer to my prayers.
Roy Clayton.