The Cure for Anxiety
When Worry, Doubt, and Discouragement Plague Us – Trust the Lord!
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 6:34 NKJV - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
OBSERVATION:
A quick internet search for 'anxiety' reveals numerous definitions, diagnoses, and clinical insights. Despite this, many people still grapple with it today. Its widespread prevalence has led to it being classified as an anxiety disorder.
The dictionary defines anxiety as feelings of uneasy nervousness, often linked to anticipating harm or trouble.
Here's a list of common anxiety symptoms: feelings of unease, panic, or a sense of threat, sleeping difficulties, restlessness, persistent worry about a problem, and trouble focusing. These are just a few examples.
I've gone through many of these experiences myself and continue to do so. So, what’s the solution for anxiety?
Jesus refers to it as worry and acknowledges that people struggle with it. In verses 25-33, He mentions worry five times. However, each time He discusses not worrying, He accompanies the statement with words of hope that precede and follow.
The verse starts with a 'therefore,' indicating that I have already provided the answer. That answer is and always has been, “I care for you more than all of these.” Trusting the Lord isn't just a simple reaction; it’s a crucial key. Sometimes, it takes a deliberate effort to do so. But when we choose to trust, we see His immense love—assuring us He will never abandon us or forsake us. Throughout my years walking with Jesus, I have NEVER, EVER experienced Him failing me. My thoughts might suggest otherwise, but His record remains PERFECT.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV - (5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
APPLICATION:
You might think this comes from someone who has never experienced anxiety, but that's not accurate. I faced significant anxiety struggles as a child and young adult. If I had sought a diagnosis from a doctor, they probably would have diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder.
During the early years of my marriage, I was so overwhelmed with worry that it made me physically ill. I constantly felt inadequate and believed I could never do enough. In my desperation, I cried out to the Lord, and He heard my cry!
I began to remind myself daily of God’s love for me, and I dove headfirst into His Word, which became a source of strength and confidence. Reflecting on my biblical heroes, I saw they shared similar tendencies, and the Lord was faithful to help them, too.
During this season, I read a biography of George Mueller. One of his most beloved quotes is this:
Matthew 6:34 NKJV - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
OBSERVATION:
A quick internet search for 'anxiety' reveals numerous definitions, diagnoses, and clinical insights. Despite this, many people still grapple with it today. Its widespread prevalence has led to it being classified as an anxiety disorder.
The dictionary defines anxiety as feelings of uneasy nervousness, often linked to anticipating harm or trouble.
Here's a list of common anxiety symptoms: feelings of unease, panic, or a sense of threat, sleeping difficulties, restlessness, persistent worry about a problem, and trouble focusing. These are just a few examples.
I've gone through many of these experiences myself and continue to do so. So, what’s the solution for anxiety?
Jesus refers to it as worry and acknowledges that people struggle with it. In verses 25-33, He mentions worry five times. However, each time He discusses not worrying, He accompanies the statement with words of hope that precede and follow.
The verse starts with a 'therefore,' indicating that I have already provided the answer. That answer is and always has been, “I care for you more than all of these.” Trusting the Lord isn't just a simple reaction; it’s a crucial key. Sometimes, it takes a deliberate effort to do so. But when we choose to trust, we see His immense love—assuring us He will never abandon us or forsake us. Throughout my years walking with Jesus, I have NEVER, EVER experienced Him failing me. My thoughts might suggest otherwise, but His record remains PERFECT.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV - (5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
APPLICATION:
You might think this comes from someone who has never experienced anxiety, but that's not accurate. I faced significant anxiety struggles as a child and young adult. If I had sought a diagnosis from a doctor, they probably would have diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder.
During the early years of my marriage, I was so overwhelmed with worry that it made me physically ill. I constantly felt inadequate and believed I could never do enough. In my desperation, I cried out to the Lord, and He heard my cry!
I began to remind myself daily of God’s love for me, and I dove headfirst into His Word, which became a source of strength and confidence. Reflecting on my biblical heroes, I saw they shared similar tendencies, and the Lord was faithful to help them, too.
During this season, I read a biography of George Mueller. One of his most beloved quotes is this:
“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” – George Müller.
Trust in the Lord! He is good!
PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for loving me more than I will ever know or understand. Thank you for this love that is not just words but truth. Your love sustains, strengthens, and encourages me, and I trust You will never abandon me. While others may disappoint and circumstances may break down, You remain faithful.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for loving me more than I will ever know or understand. Thank you for this love that is not just words but truth. Your love sustains, strengthens, and encourages me, and I trust You will never abandon me. While others may disappoint and circumstances may break down, You remain faithful.
Worry is like a rocking chair; it keeps you busy but never gets you anywhere.
Posted in Matthew