Anxiety is no stranger to many of us.
It manifests itself deep within, and coercively seizes control of our thoughts. It often seems that no measure can be taken to inhibit its growth. If you find yourself overcome with uncertainty, fearful about events that may be soon to come, growing weary in your endeavor to unveil the peace of God, you are not alone. Do not abandon your hope, because it can be restored. Do not let your mind continue to lose itself in the incessant fear it gives rise to. It is quite an unpleasant prison of which to be trapped inside. Do not continue to dwell in the captivity: the false, ephemeral comfort that dwelling might provide, because God promises far greater peace. He promises far greater freedom than any earthly entity. If liberation is what you are seeking, it can be found directly in front of you, behind you, all around you, but the blindfold must be removed. In moments of great anxiety, these are some special verses to remember.
1. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
The demands of today's world often prohibit us from setting aside a moment to breathe: to escape the accelerated, fast-paced nature that has lamentably become the norm. We are so engaged in fulfilling work and school demands, that we forget to seek the Lord when we feel conquered by our anxiety. We forget that He is the ultimate source of liberation--there is not a thing He cannot do. In times when the inevitability of darkness seems slowly approaching, try to remember that in whatever difficulties we are presented with, we must be still and allow for God to do His job. It is often during these moments of least expectation in which he performs.
2. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
Exhaustion permeates our lives: physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. Anxiety is burdensome, oppressive, demanding. It is quite encumbrance to bear alone. It is time consuming. It builds up, interfering with daily functioning and quality of life. It must be obstructed, or it will continue to thrive. We must release it from our grip. If we are living in unrest, employed by our own anxiety, we must give it to God so that, in Him, we may receive greater restoration.
3. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
The peace of the Lord is one that transcends all understanding. It is without equal: paralleled by nothing. Not one thing. Nothing in the world can remedy or mitigate the burdens we carry like our God can. Only the One who reigns from above can supply this extraordinary tranquility. When the moment is right, God will reveal to us what we seek so desperately to hear.
4. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
Even the days or situations that evoke the most anxiety will terminate. Comfort should be found in the knowledge of God's continual presence. He will not allow for unnecessary endurance--there is always a purpose. He will not give us what we cannot handle.
5. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34
If we are so troubled with what tomorrow may bring, we are not living in the NOW. We are not focused on the many blessings that the present has to offer. We must place full trust in understanding that the Lord has a divine purpose. If we let anxiety dominate, the small, though sometimes quite beautiful moments escape our field of vision: the moments felt by a young child's gleeful giggles, or by the warm embrace of a dear friend. There is far greater benefit of living in the now. When tomorrow comes, perhaps if it comes, then that is the moment in which we can devote our worry about that which is out of our control.
