Anxiety can be a paralyzing fear of “what if’s” and “what is going to happen next?” It comes in many forms and arises at some of the most unnecessary moments. It is that discomfort caused by the mind racing faster than logic, worrying about tomorrow, worrying about what we don’t know, or about what could happen. Anxiety happens when we have inadequate faith in our Father’s future grace. This can be discouraging to learn that what I thought was a mere struggle with an anxious disposition is rather a far deeper struggle with whether I trust God and his plans.
When I think about this concept, it all boils down to am I truly trusting God? Am I doing as 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you”? If I were, would I honestly be in this state of constant worry and discontent. No, I would not, because if we trust that God is good, loving and in control, that will calm our anxieties. When I deliberately trust the Lord, fear loosens its grip, stress melts away and worry no longer consumes me. My state of mind becomes free and the battle begins to decrease.
One thing I know is that God is in complete control and that brings comfort. Psalm 94:19 says “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” The Lord is there to bring us joy and peace. He wants us to rest knowing that we have a comforter. The Holy Spirit is always with us and there during the good and the bad times. When anxiety can be at its greatest we simply need to lean on the Lord more for guidance.
Anxiety is a war that many of us face and it’s one that is impossible to overcome without resting in the truth of God. Taking time to turn our worries into prayers and seeking the Lord is essential to beating attacks from the enemy. Soul-rest comes when we trust God fully, which is quite different from merely saying we trust God. Words will not give us the rest our souls long for. Trust will. Trusting God to be our rock, salvation, and fortress will change our entire outlook on life. When we are resting in God’s strength, nothing can shake us. Jesus invites all of us who feel worried and burdened, to come to Him and find our rest. Exodus 33:14 says “The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” The Lord is ALL-ways/always with us through all our trials and troubles. The battles we face when anxiety hits, God – our Creator Who has Written our story is there. In the constant stress of life, God is Present. El Shaddai is always with us no matter what!
