Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, but it can become overwhelming. It is something we all experience; whether it is worry about the future, fear of the unknown, or feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of life. The Bible gives us the antidote for dealing with anxiety, and that we do not have to carry our burdens by ourselves. *“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”* (1Pet. 5:7).
At a point in time, Jesus Christ even became anxious. In the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing what awaited Him, He felt deep anguish. Luke 22:44 says, *“Being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”* Jesus turned to His Father in prayer during this time of great stress, showing us the power of bringing our burdens to God. If Jesus, the Son of God, sought peace through prayer during anxiety, how much more should we? Paul offers a clear answer for anxiety in Philippians 4:6-7 *“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”* When we bring our worries to God in prayer, something incredible happens - He replaces anxiety with peace. God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. It surpasses human understanding, giving us calmness even when circumstances do not change. The key is presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving, acknowledging what He has done and trusting Him for greater things He will do. Much of anxiety comes from worrying about the future, but Jesus gives practical advice in Matthew 6:34 *“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”* By focusing on today, we avoid being overwhelmed by the possibilities of tomorrow. Jesus encourages us to live in the present, trusting that God is already in the control of our future. After all, worry does not add a single hour to our lives (Matt. 6:27), but it certainly steals peace from us. Dealing with anxiety often requires a shift in mindset. Romans 12:2 tells us to be *“transformed by the renewing of your mind.”* This transformation happens as we immerse ourselves in God’s word and trust in His promises. When thoughts capable of making you anxious emanate, combat them with the scriptures. Isaiah 41:10 says, *“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”* Remind yourself that God is with you and He will strengthen you in the midst of your anxieties. Anxiety is real, but so is God’s promise to be with us through it all. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28- *“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”*
I pray that God will grant you rest in the midst of overwhelming circumstances in Jesus name. When anxiety creeps in, take it to God. Cast your cares on Him, and let His peace that surpasses every understanding guard your heart and mind. You do not have to carry your worries alone. God is with you, and He is more than able to bring peace to your troubled heart. God bless you now and always. *SHALOM*
