Anxiety

Anxiety. Anxiousness. Two words I've come to know all too well lately. You're first question might be why? What are you anxious about? Trust me, if I knew and could pinpoint it that easily I would, and I would solve the problem. Because that's what I do. I'm a problem solver.

But I don't know. And I can't solve it. I can just wait. I'm chalking it up as a learning experience from God. A chance to practice relying on him in big and small things. In walking down the street and flying across the country. In my current job and my future career. In the responsibilities that I have now and those that are surely to come. In my present state and hopeful dreams.

I saw a quote recently that said something like, "Anxiety is the result of freedom's choices." Perhaps this is true. Perhaps I have too many choices in front of me (I've never been so good at making decisions.) If so, I suppose the solution is trusting God in those choices. Trusting that, if I listen to that still, small voice, He will make His will known. His undeniable love will surround me, and guide, and grant me peace.

A friend of mine sent me these verses. I found them helpful:

Psalm 143:8,10-11 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble

Psalm 127:2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to [fn] those he loves

Psalm 26:1Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Psalm 112:6-7Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Psalm 17:7-8Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

Psalm 16:8-9I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

Psalm 4:7You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 94:18
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.....

Put another way: "I cast all my anxiety on You because You care for me..... You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble."

I am reminded too of this verse, one of my favorites: "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:4-6 (NIV)