2009-01-12 - Alleviating Anxiety

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

Whenever I go away for a weekend, I double check each room to make sure it is kitty-safe, that my pets' toys are accessible, and that Marty and Gibby have more than enough food and water. I feel proud and good that my cats depend on me, and I do not want to let them down. Before I leave, I pet them and tell them not to worry - that God is watching over them and yeah, Marty try not to bully Gibby. The felines do not show the slightest fear when I get ready to leave. In fact, the sight of the familiar suitcase does not get a stir or a sniff out of them. They are content to continue lounging on a warm blanket, strategically placed near a view of the bird feeder.

Upon returning home, I cannot wait to open the door and find Marty and Gibby meowing and awaiting me. After inspecting the house for any accidents or broken pieces, I have peace, and realize all my fretting was nothing but wasted energy. I could have completely enjoyed my visit, instead of wondering how the cats were and what they were up to at any given hour. The cats were content; why wasn't I? Why couldn't contentment come upon me as naturally as it did to my four-legged friends?

Anxiety held on tightly and it would not let me go. I relied on it for so long, not really knowing what I expected anxiety to do for me, just the assurance that it was there. God is also at hand. He is bigger than anxiety and my fearful thoughts. I have to show God that I trust Him completely. He deserves that from His daughter, His child.

God spells out in 1 Peter that anxiety doesn't have any claim to our lives. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) The Lord encourages us to tell Him what we are feeling. By sharing our concerns with God, we can be free from dread and worry, which would like to keep us stagnant and static.

I will not be there for anxiety anymore. I am ready to take the right step and get out of the negative mentality that anxiety's hold has kept me in. God has a bigger plan for me, and I have to obey. So long anxiety. Don't bother to look me up; my forwarding address is unknown.

Lord, I am asking for divine intervention on how to get rid of this anxiety. I know there isn't a quick fix, but I feel I have battled it so many times, I am at the point where all I want is for You to say enough is enough and poof, it's gone. Please come to my aid, and remove these pesky doubts. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

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The author welcomes comments or questions on this devotional article.