Surrender Anxiety 

No matter what time of day you are reading this, it is likely that at least one worry has run through your mind already. These can range from the more trivial of concerns to larger, all-encompassing fears. Will I make it to my online gym class on time? Can I pay my water bill this month? Will the cancer treatment work? 

As Arthur Somers Roche famously said ‘worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.’ 

Many years ago, I recall listening to a Pastor preaching about falling on hard times. “Being Christian does not mean bad things never happen to you. We aren’t impervious to the weapons of the world. We aren’t covered in bubble wrap,” he said, “instead we are given the tools with which to overcome these challenges and to find peace.” God promises us that “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).

So what are these tools? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” (Phillippians 4:6). 

This means that our God, like a loving parent, wishes to hear all our cares and concerns: no matter how small and simple. Not because He doesn’t already know them but because we then transfer those burdens on to Him. Because it is an act of faith. Worry about nothing, pray about everything and, thirdly, be thankful for anything. 

Prayer:

Lord help me to surrender my anxiety today, to quiet my weary mind, and to have faith that everything will happen in Your right and perfect time. I commit this new day to You and thank You that I will find peace and rest in Your loving arms. Amen.