Anxiety, You Don't Own Me!

What if I can't do it? What if I mess everything up? What if I'm not good enough? Why can't I get ahead? What if I lose my job? What if no one likes me? What if I fail? The anxious mind is full of these "what if" questions. It is constantly going, thinking, and questioning. It never allows you to have any peace. You are constantly overwhelmed and feel like you have no control.

Webster defines anxiety as, "Apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill: a state of being anxious." Anxiety is fearing what is coming next because of the unknown outcome. It causes a constant state of worry or distress.

Thankfully, God's Word gives us peace during times when we feel anxious. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." When we surrender everything to God, He gives us peace. We can trust that God will take care of everything and handle every situation we face. After all, He created the whole universe and everything in it. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He created you and knows everything you are facing. God's got this! Another great verse is Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." When many anxious thoughts are running through your mind, turn your thoughts to God and His Word. Whisper His name, say a prayer, or think of a calming scripture in your vulnerable moments.

There is a song titled "Still Waters" that is sung by Leanna Crawford. A lyric from the song says, "Write scripture on your heart for when you need it. 'Cause anxiety hates Psalm 23, so just say it to yourself 'til you believe it." Why does anxiety hate Psalm 23? This Psalm says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Anxiety hates this psalm because it reminds you that God is always with you. God provides everything you have need of, He restores you, He is with you when enemies rise against you, and you have a special place in the house of the Lord as His child! If you can keep your mind on these things, anxiety has no room to worry you!

Psalm 61:2 reads, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” When you feel like you can't take any more, take it all to Jesus!

Another verse to keep in mind is Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." God will work out your situation and somehow bring good out of it.

So when you feel those anxious thoughts rushing at you, just proclaim, "Anxiety, you don't own me! I am a child of God. I am dearly loved and cared for by my Heavenly Father. He loves me and directs all my steps for His glory!"