Don’t you understand that I have anxiety?!? You have to stop making things worse for me! I’m nervous…I’m shaking inside…my skin is crawling…my world as I know it is over…my life is going to end. No one understands me and everyone thinks I’m simply crazy. I’ll never pass this test. I only make mistakes. I’m a failure. I’ll never make it.
Is this you? Do you live in this world? Are you trapped? Are you held in the grip of anxiety?
Anxiety is Rooted in Fear
Fear is the fuel that feeds anxiety. Dark clouds form and we fear tornados. Temperatures drop and we fear blizzards. Friends talk and we fear losing friends. Disease wraps its arms around us and we fear death. We tend to fear the unknown, and that fear causes paralysis. We quit making decisions and we live in a very private bubble of constant fear. Uncontrolled fear begins to control everything we do and shapes and changes our actions.
Is this you? Do you live in this world? Are you trapped? Are you held in the grip of fear?
Fear is Rooted in Doubt
Doubt feeds fear. Why do we fear? We fear because we doubt ourselves and the hope that lives in us. Now I know this might sound a little strange, but it makes clear sense. A relationship with God and not a system of beliefs gives us great hope. When a person places their faith in Jesus something incredible happens. At that very moment, this he/she begins a forever relationship with the God who created the universe and who gives purpose and hope. No longer is there any reason to doubt about every small thing that pops up in our daily lives. No longer is there any reason to live a life where every circumstance becomes something negative and destructive. I’m convinced it is simply a problem with resting in God’s care for us.
Do you doubt? Can you see doubt as the fuel that ignites fear? Are you searching for a way to extinguish the flames of doubt and fear?
Doubt is Overcome Through Belief
Belief battles doubt. Battling doubt is a constant reminder of our inconsistent belief in an unchanging and incomprehensible God. Many people don’t want to admit that their belief in God waivers because much like the apostle Peter, we take our eyes of Jesus and place them on every set of problems and issues in our lives. It reminds me of the time the Apostle Peter walked towards Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. All was well until he looked away from his hope and began to contemplate his current state as a water walker. The waves rose and he actually began to sink.
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Our focus on God is critical to overcoming doubt and anxiety. Focus is only possible when we truly believe that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ever ask Him. Do you know what this means? It means God can actually erase our doubt, fear, and anxiety. But this is important that we access this through relying on that promise and asking Him to do just that! “God, help me overcome my doubt, fear, and anxiety!” Beg Him. Plead with Him. Ask Him. Simply ask Him.
Do you believe God cares about you? Do you believe God has His best for you? Do you trust Him enough to really rest in His care for you?
Anxiety is Overcome Through Prayer
Prayer is the key to overcoming anxiety. When we pray, we do several things. First, we recognize that God CAN help us. Second, we recognize that God DESIRES to help us. And third, we trust that God WILL do exceedingly and abundantly more than we ask or even think when we ask for help with our anxiety. We don’t have to fear. We don’t have to doubt. We should believe. Philippians 4:6-8 encourages believers everywhere to fight their anxiety with faith, prayers, and an understanding that God cares so deeply about replacing their anxiety with peace. This is not just a peace that makes you happy. It is a peace that confounds your understanding. It is a peace that protects your heart. It is a peace that protects your mind.
When is the last time you sat down in a quiet place and asked God to help you with your anxiety? When is the last time you trusted God to help you with your doubt, fear, and anxiety? Let me warn you…..when you ask God without trusting Him to actually do it, it’s like asking ordering a cheeseburger and then leaving because you never expect the restaurant to bring it to your table. You ask for it but always leave hungry. Don’t give up on prayer. Trust God!
Don’t Leave the Table!