Be Anxious for Nothing - Encouragement Café - August 4, 2017

Be Anxious for Nothing
By Lara Sadowski
Friday, August 4, 2017

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NASB

Anxiety. Webster’s defines anxiety as an “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill.” That definition describes a huge portion of my life. Can you relate, my friend?

I started to experience severe anxiety as a child, and it encompassed every part of my life. I can remember being afraid to go to school, fearing I would make a failing grade or dreading the bully on the bus. It is one thing to worry about a spelling test …

I agonized to the point that I did not want to get out of bed. Tears were my constant companion. Those feelings followed me into adulthood. I spent endless years trying to please everyone, not wanting to disappoint or let anyone down.

I said yes to every little thing, even if I desperately wanted to say no. I avoided conflict like the plague, which led me into a number of extremely toxic relationships that left huge scars on my heart.

“What is the matter with me?” I screamed. I cannot tell you how many times I pondered that question.

I have loved Jesus my whole life, and I know in my heart that He adores me. However, I have to admit that I have received some “not so encouraging” comments from other Christians who have crossed my path over the years.

Some well-meaning people have said that if I prayed harder, I would not be anxious. Others have said if I have truly accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior that I would not be fearful. My anxiety grew, and my confidence waned.

For me, one of the toughest parts about chronic anxiety is that it is invisible to the naked eye. If I broke my leg, I would have a cast on that everyone can see. Anxiety and panic attacks don’t require casts, although I have wished at times they did so others can see my anguish.

You would not tell someone with a cancer diagnosis, “Just put a smile on your face and get over it.” Some people have uttered that very statement to me as I battled an anxiety-ridden situation.

Sweet sisters, does any of this sound familiar to you? If your answer is yes, I want to tell you that you are not alone. Most importantly, you have a Savior who adores you. Jesus is crazy about you, and He promised He would walk with you every day.

Do you know how much The Lord loves you? Look what He has to say.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NASB

“Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:8 NASB

He heals us, binds our wounds and, most importantly, is trustworthy. Even in the midst of our pain, we can hold tight to these amazing promises. Praise Him!

Over the years, I have asked God to take away my anxiety, and I know that He is able to do that. But I also realized that if He chooses for me to live with my anxiety, He will be there with me every step of the way. I trust Him completely. He led me to an amazing Licensed Christian Counselor who combines God’s Word with practical tools that help me to deal with any anxiety that surfaces. I want to encourage you, too. Jesus loves you so much. He longs to be the Lord of your life. No matter what you are experiencing, He will never leave you.

Thank you, Father.

If you are experiencing severe anxiety, please ask for help. Talk with your pastor or a Licensed Christian Counselor who can walk with you and work with you.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for never leaving us nor forsaking us. As your daughters walk through valleys and experience painful anxiety, heal us completely if that is Your will. If You have a different plan for our lives, give us Your strength, love and courage and walk with us each day. We love You dearly. … In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

© 2017 by Lara Sadowski.  All rights reserved.

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