Unmasked - Dare to Be the Real YouSample

DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

There are many things in our world today that can cause us anxiety. For many of us, anxiety is a prevalent fear and crippling emotion that tries to saturate our lives. It can be like having a constant companion of dread, always by our side. Anxiety can be triggered for various reason and in multiple areas of our lives. For many, it is the invisible enemy that would like nothing more than for you to believe that your life will never be free from its grasp. 

There is good news! You can live free! The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 that you should, “Cast all your anxieties on Him [Christ], because He cares for you”. 

There are a few steps we can take to remove the mask of anxiety:

First, we stop playing the enemy’s games. He wants to keep us trapped in anxiety so that we cannot live in freedom. 

Second, we give our concerns to God. We can pray about everything and really give our concerns to our loving Father who cares for us. 

Third, our anxieties should not get the best of us. As soon as we feel anxious, we should flick it off of us as quickly as it comes upon us. 

Lastly, we can list our anxieties, analyze them, identify each fear, and specifically pray about them.

Anxiety is a word of unbelief or unreasonable dread. We are right to not allow it to bind us up. Full faith in God puts anxiety to rest. We are reminded of this in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This is our daily invitation to come to God, to find help, to place our anxieties at the throne, and leave them in His hands. 

Our anxieties belong to God.

TAKEAWAYS

Ingest scripture, and we will be in a strong position to resist the enemy.

Remember that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and be on our guard for this by reading the Word. 

Strive for that peace that surpasses all understanding; know that God is with you and will never leave you.

DECLARATIONS

Heavenly Father, I have been an anxious worrier for long enough. This mask has been weighing me down and hindering me from seeing things clearly. Give me Your perspective. As I take off this mask, I ask You to give me fresh vision. Like the apostle Paul, I, too, can say that the eyes of my heart will be enlightened. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray! Amen.

REFLECTIONS

Read the key scriptures again, and formulate three golden rules for overcoming and removing the mask of anxiety.

Re-read today's declaration, and take two requests or statements from it to speak over yourself each day

Read Ecc. 4:1-10. How can this scripture be used to help you unmask anxiety? 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” (Ecc. 4:9-10)