Facing Off with Anxiety and FearSample

Think About What You're Thinking About 

Oftentimes our greatest fear comes from uncertainty. When we don’t understand why something is happening, we get anxious and afraid. We start looking for answers. Why is God allowing this? What can I do to protect my security, connection, or control? 

When we don't understand, our thoughts become consumed with trying to find an explanation for what's happening. But when our thoughts are consumed with fear, our explanations will be too. 

In today’s verse, Peter tells us to cast our anxiety on God and His love. But he starts the verse by saying the first thing we have to do is humble ourselves. This simply means we need to let go of our need to understand everything and trust that God’s mighty hand is still in control of our lives. Casting our anxiety on God only works when we first acknowledge that we don’t understand what’s happening, but we choose to trust Him right in the middle of our uncertainty.

We humble ourselves, cast our anxiety on God, and then Peter says there's one more step in the process. We must pay close attention to our thoughts.

Our enemy roars, hoping the sound of his roar will stir fear inside us. It's an intimidation tactic. If we aren't careful, we may cast our anxiety on God, but without realizing it, start letting the fear run wild in our thoughts again. We have to think about what we're thinking about. We have to guard our hearts and minds against allowing fear back in. Cast your anxiety on God, and then, don't take it back again! Leave it in his hands. He's got this!

This plan is based on the book Love Slows Down