Anxiety often feels like a storm raging in our minds. Picture dark clouds gathering, thunder rumbling, lightning flashing–it’s like being caught in a whirlwind of worry, and the tornado of chaos takes over.
Anxiety thrives on our fears, the endless what-ifs, and those daunting worst-case scenarios.
What if I can’t meet my financial obligations? What if my health takes a turn for the worse? What if I’m not able to support my family? What if my loved ones are in trouble or someone stops loving me? How will I manage? What will I do?
That’s when I hit pause and talk to myself. I have to remind myself not to allow fears to take over. They’re like quicksand, pulling me deeper, and the more I struggle with these thoughts, the more I suffocate.
We can, instead, pray about it. Whenever anxious thoughts sneak in, we must pass them to God, or they’ll swallow us whole. I hope to say, “Lord, I’ve got a lot to talk to you about, and I’m not handling it. And I’m counting on you to guide and show me the way.”
It’s essential to identify what’s really in our hearts, too. Don’t just think, “I’m worried.” Pinpoint the exwhich act concern. Then, hand the problem to God and tell Him what’s troubling you.
We can bring our insecurities, suffering, and selfishness to the Lord. (Yes, sometimes we can be selfish.) Let’s diminish the power of anxiety by sharing our burdens with our Savior, who suffered for us on that cross. Who holds the answer to our questions.
Let’s take a moment to do a reality check. Is this a genuine concern, or is it a shadow, a maybe? Sometimes, our fears are just shadows, fed by uncertainties and heavy, real-life struggles. And sometimes, we take advice from sources that make matters worse, not better.
In some situations, we might take action. If your worry is based on something real, think of a few steps you can take. Pointing fingers might justify your stance, but owning our problems is an excellent place to begin.
Ask yourself, can God handle this? Is this problem too big for Him? Absolutely not! Your concerns are never too big for Him. God does not get overwhelmed or taken by surprise. He’s got this. We can make a choice to trust, to love, to bring kindness into this world. We are His vessels, and we have a hope that moves mountains.
Sometimes, it can feel like the challenge is too big for us. We don’t know what to do, and we feel stuck. But remember, we should never forget that God always knows what to do. He’s always in control. Bring your worries to Him. But be ready to do what He’s asking of you. Do your part. He’s doing His.
Also, we can reflect on scripture: No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue rises against you in judgment, You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord (Isaiah 54:17).
As Christians, we have a Savior who is for us. He knows everything about us before we speak or move into action. We do not surprise him. When we recognize our need, may we run to Him and not this world. Nothing is too big or too small to bring before our God. May we seek His face, obey Him, and trust Him for answers.
After all, another year is almost over. How often did I forget to pray, reflect, take a reality check, or make a better choice?
How many times did I get it wrong? How much time have I wasted, too? Who needed my love, and yet I rejected that person? Who needed kindness, and I walked away?
And yet, the Lord calls me, forgives me, and gives me the sunrise of a new day. He never rejects me. May I walk into the freshness of such grace and do better before the sun goes down. Or before the next cloud swirls its worry above my head. The whirlwind of worry is real. Suffering falls into our lives. We do get it wrong. But again, the mercy of the Lord calms the storm within us if we seek His face, guidance, and help. If we mirror His reaction, we can also pass hope to someone else. May we be that person today before another year is over. May we choose to fall into the arms of our Savior, who loves us more than we can imagine.
