The definition of anxiety is experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Often times, the majority of the things that we worry about are things that MIGHT happen and aren’t guaranteed and most of the time they don’t. By overthinking things, we disrupt our peace by acting like the things that haven’t happened, have happened and we lose our focus on reality.
Matthew 6:31-32 says, “Therefore, do not worry, saying, what shall we eat?’ or ‘what shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. The word Gentiles refers to the unbelievers. For these are legitimate concerns because they are their own provider. They have to try and make ends meet whereas the believers know that God is their provider and He’ll make the way. Believers should not be worried like the unbelievers because if God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field, then why would He not feed and clothe us as well? Anxiety and worry are legitimate emotions that one can have and God isn’t saying that these feelings don’t exist, but do not let them over you. Do not become so overwhelmed that you begin to think irrationally or illogically like God doesn’t exist or that He won’t provide.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Take it to God in prayer. Believers who take their troubles and concerns to God in prayer find Gods peace that will help them through their anxiety. John 14:27 says, 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. Isaiah 26:3, You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Psalms 37:5, Commit your way unto the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. When our thoughts remain on God and we trust completely in Him, He gives us a peace beyond understanding. A peace where in the midst of our troubles, we can rest assure knowing that He has it all under control.
There’s a story of a little girl who was traveling on a plane for the first time and her father was the pilot. During the flight, the plane hit some bad turbulence and the flight attendant woke the little girl and told her to put on her seatbelt because they were in the middle of a bad storm. The little girl opened her eyes, looked at the storm, and asked the woman, “is my daddy still at the controls?” The flight attendant told the little girl “yes your daddy is in the cockpit” and the little girl smiled, closed her eyes, rolled back over and peacefully went back to sleep.
We can have peace in the midst of our troubles and anxieties knowing that God is in control of our own lives. By trusting in God, we can cast our burdens on the Lord and He will sustain us. So Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your request be known to God. If anxiety is your problem, then prayer is your solution.