The Way Out of AnxietySample

As I was writing this devotional, God impressed on my heart this idea that the antidote to anxiety is awe. When researching this idea further, I was surprised to find several studies which reveal that experiencing a sense of awe reduces one's stress.

The University of California, Berkley, conducted a study where some of the subjects were shown pictures of awe-inspiring, magnificent things like the Grand Canyon. Here’s what an article about this study says:

“Experiencing more awe is associated with living healthier and more meaningful lives. A 2021 study reported that feeling more awe is correlated with reporting feeling lowered levels of daily stress.”

The people in the Berkley study experienced a sense of awe (and therefore reduced stress levels) when they were shown pictures of the Grand Canyon or the California Redwoods. But we have the picture of One who is far more glorious than anything in nature. Creation simply provides a glimpse of His majesty, grandeur, power, creativity, holiness, splendor, grace, and love.

How much more do we, as children of God, have reason to stand in awe?

Let’s unpack 1 Peter 5:7 a bit further. The verse says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

The verse doesn’t say, "Lift yourself up." It says God will lift you up.

Does our anxiety come from trying to lift ourselves rather than trusting God's plans?

Scripture reminds us in Matthew 6 (and I’m paraphrasing considerably here): Consider the flowers of the field that don’t labor or spin. God clothes them in a spectacular way that is far more beautiful than haute couture on the Paris runway.

Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. When you come before Him on your knees, trust that His mighty hand is powerful enough to lift you up.

The second part of that verse says that He may lift you up in due time. The verse doesn't say that God will lift us up according to our schedule. It points to God's perfect timing in every situation.

We are called to trust God's ways and timing.

The antidote to anxiety is awe. The solution to stress is to stand amazed. And the way out of worry is to worship.

Reflect

Am I trying in my own strength to lift myself up? Does my anxiety come from expecting breakthroughs and answers on my timetable? Do I take the time to simply stand in awe of Who God is?

Lean In

Heavenly Father, Help me to humble myself before You and trust that You cannot and will not forget Your children. Help me to truly grasp that the antidote to anxiety is awe and to stand amazed by Who You are. You are the all-knowing, all-powerful, always-loving God. In Jesus’ name. Amen