Finding Strength in God's Truth When You're Feeling Helpless and Beaten DownНамуна

Anxiety keeps me off balance and fearful

Will the depression ever lift, the yelling ever stop, the pain ever leave? Will we ever see the sun again? We feel stuck, trapped, and predestined for failure. Will it ever end?

The peace of Christ can overrule anxiety if we seek to live in constant communion and abiding with Him. We are part of His body, the church, and He is present at all times. Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

David definitely experienced anxiety but declared God as his help. Psalm 3:1-4: “Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him. “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.”

David wrote many Psalms as he grappled with fear, frustration, and sin. He always came to the rock-solid understanding that the Lord was his deliverer, he had nothing to fear when he was in the hands and the will of God. Fearful events may have been swirling around him, but he chose to trust in the strength and sovereignty of God, knowing that his own future was safe and secure in the Lord’s hands. We trust in and love the same God! Lean on Him, trust Him and not what the world tries to condemn you with.

The apostle Paul gave us three helps against anxiety in Philippians 4:

• Pray Persuasively: Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
• Think Truthfully: Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
• Live Obediently: Philippians 4:9:“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

In Romans 12:2, Paul instructs us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” If you fill your mind with the words of God, you will push the lies of the enemy away because there is no more room for them. The Lord will transform your heart and thoughts when you learn what His Word says to you.

Reflection: Anxiety is a peace killer, but we can overcome anxiety every time it rears its ugly head by choosing to trust in and rest in Jesus Christ; believing in what His Word says about us rather than what the world says about us. He is the answer. As you develop a daily, regular habit of getting to know Him in His Word, you will find strength for every day.