Releasing Anxiety

I heard a stat the other day where a survey said that 84% of Americans are stressed out or anxious constantly. These feelings usually come from a worry or fear of the future. We play out scenarios in our head of things that are coming, but it’s only the worst case scenarios. We are also stressed by not being able to control situations or outcomes. These things get our mind caught in a loop of thoughts that produce a stress and anxiety that we can’t escape. It’s tough to break this cycle of bondage. We often don’t look at stress or anxiety as bondage, but that’s what it is because it immobilizes us, takes over our mind and keeps us from living out God’s plan for us.

In John 14, Jesus was giving the disciples some final words before He was crucified. He knew what the future held, but they didn’t. He knew they would panic and scatter so he wanted to reassure them. He started off the chapter by saying, “Do not be worried and upset. Believe in God and believe also in me” (GNT). In times where we’re feeling overwhelmed, trust in God and His plan. His will is going to happen no matter what, and it’s a good plan. Just as He was reassuring the disciples here, He wants us to be reassured He’s in control. He spent this entire chapter trying to get them to think long term rather than to focus on the moment. Then concluded in verse 27 with, “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” He put a bookend on the conversation reminding them of His peace and to not worry or be anxious over what’s going to happen.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord’s will is going to be done.” There is nothing you or I or anyone else can do to prevent God’s will from happening. You can’t mess up His plan either because He causes everything to workout for good. When the cycle of anxiety and stress try to put you in its prison cell, put on the Helmet of Salvation and begin to pray, “Lord, I know you are in control. I give this situation to you in exchange for your peace. Give me wisdom in what to do so that I accomplish your plan for this. Give me the mind of Christ so that I won’t be worried, upset or afraid. I know you have a plan. Use me in whatever way you want. Amen.” Releasing what you can’t control to the One who can control is how we find peace. His will is going to be accomplished no matter what. Give it to Him and ask Him to use you in it. He will exchange His peace for your anxiety and stress.

Photo by Chris Linnett on Unsplash