The dictionary defines anxiety as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome”. We all deal with anxiety in our lives. It is a part of being human. There is no person on earth who can say that they have never been anxious. There are certain situations in our lives that tend to cause anxiety within us. It could be your health, your job, your finances, your kids, your spouse, your family, your friends, or some other life-changing situation that causes anxiety within you.
The thing about anxiety is that it is unique to every individual. What causes anxiety in one person may not cause anxiety in another. You also will find that not everyone deals with anxiety the same way. If you google how to deal with anxiety there will a thousand different ways suggested. What works for one may not work for the other.
The bible, however, is very clear on how to deal with anxiety in our lives and it gives us one universal approach to deal with anxiety and that is to take it to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”
Jesus showed us what we need to do when we face anxiety. The night before He was to be crucified Jesus was dealing with a lot of anguish and He decided to take it to God in prayer. Luke 22:41-44 says “Jesus withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Jesus knew what was going to happen to him and He suffered extreme anxiety to the point of anguish. His sweat was like drops of blood which is a real medical condition called hematidrosis caused by extreme physical or emotional stress. In spite of this, He decided to take all his anxiety and anguish to God in prayer.
We may not suffer anxiety to the point of sweating blood but nevertheless, anxiety can cause you to be miserable, and it also affects your health if left unchecked. 1Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. When we take our fears and anxieties to God we are asking the creator of this universe to personally help us out. We can look for help on the internet and try other therapies to help us deal with our anxieties but who is better than God himself to help us with our worries and anxieties. Psalm 139:1-2 says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” So next time you are feeling anxious about something in your life try taking to the Lord in prayer. Our creator knows how we feel and all our innermost thoughts and fears.
Here is a sample prayer that will help you deal with whatever is causing anxiety in your life.
Dear Jesus,
Please help me deal with _________________(your situation). I pray for your strength and your guidance. I trust that you are in control and I put my hope in you. Please take away my anxiety and replace it with your peace. I know that whatever is happening is according to your plan in my life. Help me control my emotions and think clearly. I completely surrender everything to you and pray that you take over this situation. Let your will be done according to your goodness and mercy. In your name, I pray. Thank you, Jesus.
Amen.