Worry and Anxiety

Devo written by Awaken Team Member, Char Miles ~

I am a woman of worry (I think I got it from my Dad) which leads me to anxiety. I don’t show it, but my insides feel like a tornado, hurricane and earthquake happening at the same time. When this occurs, I begin to have thoughts of despair, hate, guilt, loneliness, and helplessness. I can become very short with the people I love, or I just I get quiet, leaving these negative thoughts to fester like a disease. I try not to get defensive or argumentative, but these also rear their ugly head. I have learned as soon as the negative thoughts start rushing in, I must go to the Lord, seek His word, and pray.

Luke 12:25-26

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

As I ponder this verse, I can see that worry and anxiety drain my energy, my peace, happiness and joy. I begin to pray. As I pray, I take a deep breath in and release it slowly. I begin to say, I TRUST YOU, LORD. I TRUST YOU LORD. As I continue to say this over and over again with conviction from my heart, I can feel the worry and anxiety begin to diminish. As the distress and agitation melt into oblivion, I then feel such a peace and joy that I can only describe as a true gift from God. This practice has brought me to tears many times, but I know the tears are happy, thankful and joyous tears. The Lord was with me, He heard my prayer, He knows my heart and He loves me.

So let’s all try to stop controlling what we cannot control, and start giving our worries and anxieties to the only one who can truly help you through the problem you feel is tearing you apart. God is with you, He loves you, and He wants the best for His children. Remember worry and anxiety are the enemy’s way of keeping you distracted, overwhelmed and discouraged. Don’t let the enemy win. Take a deep breath in and out and just Pray.

1 PETER 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”