Hope in the Midst of AnxietySample

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is often misunderstood, especially being a Christian. Some of us have probably been told, “Why are you struggling if you’re a Christian? Shouldn’t you be trusting God more?” Anxiety is real my friends, and it can taint our perspective and instill so much fear of the unknown. Anxiety can feel similar to shackles; shackles are a physical way of imprisonment, keeping someone unable to be free. While there are physical shackles or chains, there are also spiritual ones as well. When physical chains bind us we are restricted and limited. Spiritual chains do the same thing; they restrict a person’s faith and outlook on life. Feeling trapped and imprisoned is emotionally challenging, and it negatively affects our physical lives as well. Anxiety is like a physical chain. Let’s see what Peter talks about in Acts: 

"Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. " Acts 12:6

Peter was stuck between soldiers and bound with chains. There was no way he could escape. This is what the enemy tries to do to us as well. He binds us physically and spiritually restricts us. Unlike Peter, our chains are often unseen but we are equally bound up. Restricted. And closed off.

Peter’s story didn’t end with prison chains. And neither does yours.  Let’s keep reading and see what God had in store for him.

"And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands."   Acts 12:7

If prison guards and tight chains did nothing to stop God’s power in Peter, then His power in you and me is unstoppable, too. Jesus broke the bondage of sin. His mission coming to earth was to set us free! Consider this promise in Luke 4:18: 

"The spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of the sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."  Luke 4:18

Anxiety is real, it is hard, it tries to physically and emotionally bind us. BUT, God sees us, Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We are more than conquerors! Freedom is possible in Jesus! 

Challenge: Try and spend some time identifying where most of your anxiety is coming from. Write down your observations and spend some time in prayer over those things.