Anxiety most often has a negative connotation and viewed as a bad characteristic. Today we’ll look at the negative side, and tomorrow we’ll look at some positive aspects of anxiety.
We’ve all heard about body language and what some of it shows to others. It is said that if a person crosses their arms, it is telling others that you are closed off, don’t want to hear what they have to say, and are shutting them out. Personally I feel very comfortable crossing my arms and legs but ever since I heard about what that portrays to others, I’m self-conscious about doing that in public. Let it be known that if I do that to you, that is not the case. It’s just a comfortable position for me, especially if I’m cold. I think the rest of the body language such as facial expression can either confirm or negate that posture. I can cross my arms but be smiling. The body language of this baby bunny hiding in my flower garden told me it was afraid and hoping not to be discovered and removed from its nest.
Worry. Will we have enough money to last through retirement? Can we provide for our family? What happens if banks go under… the stock market plunges… STOP! God created the world. He is our provider and protector. These are only two of His names. He has taken care of me and I trust Him to continue taking care of me all the days of my life and into eternity. So why worry about tomorrow? It doesn’t help. Besides, there’s enough to do today. Whatever God brings into our lives tomorrow will also be met by His loving care and provision. Sure I’m concerned about these things just like everyone else, but I do not let it worry me or lose sleep over it. God’s got it and there’s no better hands it could be in than His.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:34, NLT
Uncertainty. That is certainly an all-inclusive word for today, isn’t it? Our world is full of chaos, war, famine, natural disasters, and other negative events that can destroy our sense of peace. These times of uncertainty make us anxious. What kinds of uncertainties send you into a spiral? A pending storm? Politics? A lawsuit? When those uncertainties pop up and shake their fists at you, remember that God gets the final say. Nothing gets by Him before it gets to us. God tells us we don’t have to be afraid of what’s going to happen. He has it all under control.
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flieth by day.”
Psalm 91:5, KJV
Doubt. Oh ye of little faith, right? That is the response given by many people to an expression of doubt or uncertainty. It is meant to help us realize that we don’t have as much faith as we thought we did. If we did, we wouldn’t be doubting and anxious. Way back in Genesis even Sarah lacked faith and doubted when it came to being told she was going to have a baby at her old age. Nothing is too hard for my God, but if I see something through my own eyes instead of through His, it would be easy to give in to doubts. I’ve seen God provide in so many ways. One time I remember getting a check in the mail for a story I wrote and I needed it to take my son to the doctor that day. The next time a check came, I jokingly said, OK, what do I need it for this time? Sometimes God provides in advance, and sometimes after the fact, but nonetheless He does provide.
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?
I will return to you at the appointed time next year,
and Sarah will have a son.”
Genesis 18:14, NIV
Anxiety. Anxiety can be a bigger problem that affects people’s lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am in no way diminishing that. I’ve known people who would get so anxious that they would end up in a panic attack. If you or someone you know deals with this kind of anxiety, please seek help from a pastor, doctor, or counselor. God’s peace can be yours as you work through issues that cause your anxiety.
Tomorrow we’ll continue to talk about anxiety—the kind that is helpful and good.
PRAYER POINT FOR TODAY:
Lord, as I face uncertain times, things that worry me, make me doubt, and cause anxiety, please help me to hold onto You and trust You to lead me through it to the other side.
- Week 1 – temptation
- Week 2 – confession, forgiveness, and fasting
- Week 3 – listening to God and answering when He calls
- Week 4 – God’s love for us
- Week 5 – waiting, anxiety, and trust
- Week 6 – suffering (W), pain (T), and struggles (F-S), rejoicing (Palm Sunday), Trials (M-T-W), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Silent Saturday
- Easter – resurrection and salvation