Are You Anxious? by Lane Jordan Burday
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24).
I’m usually a happy and joyful person. I live in gratitude for all God has done for me and blessed me with, even with some of the hardships along the way. I’m usually not an anxious or fearful person.
But for the last few weeks, the minute I lay down to sleep at night, anxious thoughts started bombarding my mind! I worried about my grandson. He loves to run in a field near their house, but I started to worry it wasn’t safe!
I worried about all the killings, fighting, and deaths happening all over the world. For all the little children without food, along with the trafficking. I became anxious about my own children, granddaughter, and husband, as he is battling health issues.
It got so bad that finally, one night, I remembered one of my favorite verses, and then I prayed this wonderful truth from Philippians 4:6-7:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.
My anxiety went away, and I was able to sleep. The same thing happened the next few nights, but the anxiety wasn’t as bad, and I prayed my verse. Then my husband prayed over me, and guess what? No more anxious thoughts!
I know I’m being very transparent by sharing this. Isn’t a Christian author and Bible teacher supposed to have it all together? Well, no! I’m a child of God, just as we all are, and the enemy will try to sabotage us.
And that’s exactly what it felt like. We need to remember daily that “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
And because the enemy is trying to attack us at all sides, we must put on the full armor of God daily so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground.
May I add that whatever we worship is what will occupy our minds the most and will become our god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own and can infest your mind. Break free from this bondage by walking with the Lord daily and refreshing yourself in His Presence and His Word!
Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that God is your Shield, and His Presence will watch over you continually. Pray daily to Him!
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to him in song (Psalm 28:7).
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Do you live in our near the Austin area? Then you will want to join us for our Level-Up Austin event on April 25th from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Wells Branch Community Church. Register today at: https://levelupconferenceaustin.eventbrite.com.