When You Start Feeling Anxious, Turn To The Bible

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We all experience anxiety on many different levels. Some on more intense levels than others. Some more often than others. And the truth of it is, it’s okay. It’s okay to be anxious and overwhelmed or feel heavy and not like yourself.

But what if we took that anxious, overwhelmed, and heavy feeling and gave it to the One who cares most for us?

We begin to feel weightless and free. Yeah, I said it. Weightless and FREE. That peace you’ve been searching for can be found in a place most people (including myself) become too impatient to look.

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

You’ve heard that one before, right? If you have not, I’ll bet it made you cock your head sideways and think. Let’s talk about feeling weightless. Just imagine if in EVERY SITUATION we stopped with a thankful heart and prayed. What if we gave our challenges, those “anxious and overwhelming feelings,” to God and let it go? What if we became patient and remembered that in the waiting, He is good? We would handle our anxiety much differently.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Here is where the freedom part comes into play. The PEACE of God will guard your heart and mind. All it takes for us to truly let go and trust God is to turn our troubles to Him and allow Him to guard us. Our heart and mind are two very tricky things. We like to think we have complete control over what happens and how we feel, but if that were true, would so many of us battle such big bouts of depression, anxiety, or even for some the thoughts of suicide so frequently? Honestly, the answer is no. This scripture is so important in the way we experience freedom.

Trust me, this is a lot easier to write than it is to live. We all struggle and have doubts. We all handle things very differently. But one of the best things I’ve found to do even on my good days is simply say, “Lord, everything I may encounter today, mentally and physically, I hand to You. For You are where my peace lies.” 

And let me tell you, it is changing my life in more ways than one.