Got Anxiety?
GOT ANXIETY?
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad (Proverbs 12:25 New King James Version).
In today’s world it’s difficult to not be anxious. The cost of everything we need is rising, gas prices are outrageous, there are youth who do not know how to effectively handle conflict without violence, there are unseen predators out there targeting our children, and many people are unemployed because of the rising costs ripple effect. Anxiety comes in many forms now, and prescription drugs are widely available to combat anxiety and depression. What happens, though, is the prescription drugs don’t always work. They mask the emotional feelings, but they don’t stop the thoughts running through our head.
God’s word says when we are anxious in our hearts, it causes depression; it also says a good word makes it glad. I know from experience sometimes the good word did not always makes its way from my ear to my heart. Before Jesus rescued me, I was very depressed, constantly worried and anxious about everything. I won’t go into detail, but I can tell you the prescription I took to battle depression only made me more depressed because of its side effects. The day I grabbed hold of Jesus’ outstretched hand and took a step into His embrace, the spirit of depression began to lift. It didn’t happen overnight, but the more I fed myself on God’s good word, no longer did I need to take a daily pill to be happy.
Jesus said to not worry, God knows what we need before we even need it. His word says to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). If you struggle with anxious thoughts, depression or worry, spend time with God, feed yourself on His good word, let it sink deep into your heart. If you are finding it difficult to get the good word from your ear to your heart, tell Jesus. He will open your ears for you!
Let’s pray: Dear Lord, how we thank You for another blessed day! We thank You for Your redemptive and healing hand, for Your love and Your mercy. Thank You for grabbing us from the miry clay and setting our feet upon Your rock. We ask for Your help in opening our ears and allowing Your word to settle into our hearts, feeding us by Your Spirit, and seizing our anxious thoughts. Teach us how to bring every thought into captivity. We love You and offer You our praise and ourselves. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Today’s Attitude of Worship: If you struggle with good and positive things getting from your ear to your heart, read and memorize scripture. When scripture is hidden in your heart it makes it easier to recall and battle those moments of anxiety. Philippians 4:8 says to think on good things, pure things; begin to ponder all that is good in your life and God’s creation, as well as what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Additional Scriptures: Matthew 6: 25-34; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8
Shalom,
Prudence