Let’s Talk About Anxiety…
Anxiety has become quite the buzz word over the years as people are continually becoming more open to discussing matters of mental health. The world is constantly changing, and the way our lives are saturated with social media only aids in amplifying this fact. It’s easy to feel anxious when you’re struggling to find out what drives you and what your purpose is in life. Not to mention the constant comparisons we make of the people around us or inside of our phones. We put ourselves in this race with others as though we are all on the same path. Couple this with the grinding halt of the pandemic and suddenly we feel completely out of control.
For me, feeling a lack of control is the key contributor to feelings of anxiety. This can sometimes lead to me playing it safe in the way I navigate my life. You would think that having a well thought out plan (and by that I mean overthought) with a clear course of action, you’d steer clear of any anxiety right? Wrong. Life of course will always bring its challenges, and truthfully the safe route isn’t always going to make you happy. I am realizing more and more each day that the battle of pushing through what I think I should be doing and what I actually want in order to live a genuine life, is creating more anxiety than it is security. But then when I feel an urge to take control of the situation and make a change, my good friend anxietyyy comes right back around for an extended stay. The thoughts of the different outcomes, possibilities, and challenges take me back to square one where I feel as though I have no control. So what am I missing? What am I forgetting that keeps this cycle on a continuous loop?
I found my answer while starting on a new Bible plan for the week titled “Dealing With Anxiety”. I spend so much time worrying over things for which I cannot predict the outcome, when instead I could be leaning on the Lord who knows all. Psalms 62:7-8 says, “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge”. Although my faith in the Lord is unshakable, I have been lacking in placing my burdens on Him. That’s how my personality has always been. I don’t always want to bother people with my own problems or ask for help when I need it. This has translated to me not always going to God with the stressors that cause me to feel anxious. With that being said, I plan to be more deliberate in going to God with my anxieties so that I can lay them on Him to carry. There is nothing that He cannot handle and He will always be there to carry me through to the other side.
I hope that after reading this you will be encouraged to take more leaps of faith with me. It is important for us to remind one another and hold ourselves accountable in going to God for the things we cannot control. I find great comfort in knowing that he has plans for us to prosper, and so we must put our faith in this knowledge as we continue to live our lives in the most passionate and genuine way possible.
-Siera Arena
ANXIETY PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
I am coming to you to lay down my anxieties as I deal with __________________. GIve me the strength to relinquish all control and to depend solely on you and your grace. I am so thankful for all that you have done and continue to do for me as I walk the path you have chosen for me. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen
More Scripture for Anxiety:
Psalms 94:18-19
Philippians 4:6-8
Matthew 6:31
Matthew 6:33-34
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Read the 7 Day Bible plan “Dealing With Anxiety” using this link:
https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/166