ANXIETY!?

Even the word all by itself is somewhat nerve racking. It is one of the words that regardless of how it is used it offers feelings that are uncomfortable. Anxiety denotes fear, worry, and apprehension. If one has too much anxiety it can lead to all kinds of health issues – both physical and mental.

 “An anxious heart weighs a man down...” Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

We all have wants and desires, and we know exactly when we think need them. We do not need to be told when we want something, we are well aware of it, and most of the time we want it now! But nothing seems to happen at the speed we need it to, and it drives us to anxiety. Seems kind of funny, but you can tell yourself to calm down as many times as you like, and then a situation pops up and the anxiety is back! So why is this? Is this a worry issue? I do not think so…I think it is a trust issue. It is all about where and in whom you are trusting.

Most people would say that they are trusting, and that they trust themselves above all else. That is ALOT of pressure! Too much pressure as a matter of fact and that is why we have the term “Breakdown”. This happens when we just can’t do any more, and we reach the end of ourselves and we “Break”.. Kind of feast or famine – we want to do it all, we can’t trust anyone else to care about or be as good at what we can do, and when it is too much we stop altogether. Where and how is one supposed to find balance? That is where trust comes in.

When we trust God, and I mean really trust God, we can get to that marvelous place called balance. First, we need to trust that He is in control not us. Then we need to trust that He has a better plan than the one I keep trying to force on every situation and circumstance we are going through. God wants a relationship with you, and He wants you to live a righteous and abundant life. So how do we do this? Jesus. When you identify with Jesus, accept who He is and what He did, your perspective changes. Jesus changes everything.  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Trusting that you are where you are supposed to be, regardless of situation or circumstance, will change everything. It is positional – IN Christ is enough. We are not enough, and will never have enough on our own…but He is. When you figure this out…anxiety is just a word – a place to visit once in a while, but you no longer have to stay there. 

Blessings,

pastor pat