When You Are Anxious

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”(Phil. 4:6)

Anxiety is something everyone faces from time to time

We worry about our health, finances, families, jobs, and the future. Our minds can easily become filled with "what if" questions. Yet God never intended for us to carry those burdens alone.

Worry is often the result of trying to control things that are beyond our control. Faith, on the other hand, places those concerns into God's capable hands. The Lord invites us to bring every burden, every fear, and every concern to Him in prayer.

“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22 NASB)

God does not merely tell us to stop worrying; He tells us what to do instead. We are to commit our circumstances to Him and trust Him to work in ways we may not yet see.

“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5 NASB)

Jesus also reminded His followers not to become consumed with fears about tomorrow. Today's responsibilities are enough without borrowing tomorrow's concerns.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.”(Matt. 6:34 NIV)

Worry never solves a problem, changes the future, or adds strength to our lives.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:27)

Therefore

Whenever anxiety begins to creep into your heart, take it to God immediately. Pray about it, thank Him for His faithfulness, and trust Him with the outcome. The God who cares for the birds of the air cares even more for you.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?  (Matt. 6:25-26 NLT)

Quotes

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” -Corrie Ten Boom

“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them have never happened.” - Mark Twain