Tuesday Tidbits: Anxious

When I look back at all the moments wasted on worry, I am astounded. Worry has taken many opportunities of joy from me. When will we realize that worry has no place in God's work? God created us in His image to love and be loved. To live a life full of blessings, joy and hope. We were meant for more than hurt, anxiety, depression and heartbreak.

Philippians 4:6 says Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

When life throws you a curve ball, take it to Jesus... When you are glued to your phone waiting on a call back from a job you desperately need, take it to Jesus... When you are stuck in limbo and feel like if you disconnect from your email for even 5 minutes, you will miss a business deal, take it to Jesus.

Do you see where I am going with this? God wants us to live a life full of blessings and happiness but we can't allow those blessings control our emotional health. We can't let that blessing become more important than our walk with God. In everything we do, that relationship with God should reign supreme. He should always be the one sitting on the throne in our heart, not the material things that he has blessed us with. The Bible tells us over and over again to cast our cares on Him, don't worry about tomorrow, be strong, live in peace not worry. So many different ways to echo the same message. We spend far too much time biting our nails in a stress induced state of mind just existing instead of truly living.

The book of Psalms reminds us that He will never forsake us. He hears you and he hears me. Psalms 94:18-19 says When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Life brings questions, sometimes hard questions that aren't easy to answer and may even cause discord when opinions differ. Those questions are the things that anxiety and worry breed upon... It's your uncertainty that causes you to sit, pondering the next step and as a result you miss an opportunity to allow God to work that problem for your good.

Faith brings a calm into your spirit. You must take hold of your mind and let faith resonate in the atmosphere. Confidently communicate to yourself and anyone involved that no matter the outcome, no matter the timeline, I am going to wait on God and in my stillness, I will serve Him and believe that He knows my end from my beginning.

Anxiety has slowly become an epidemic in our society. It doesn't have to win in your life. Let's break the mold and swim against the current. Quietly and discreetly the devil plants those seeds of doubt and uncertainty that grow into orchards of worry and anxiety. Conquer your fears by putting your trust in God. The moment we surrender our problems to God, our worries become less. A worry free life is one that I have grown to love. There is a certain freedom that comes with knowing my problems big or small, are in the hands of God. I can have peace of mind as I'm comforted by this sweet assurance.

As a person who has struggled with anxiety, worry and stress I wanted to take the time to encourage my readers. Take a deep breath and let it go. Good or bad, worrying won't change the outcome. Instead, worrying takes the joy out of your day. Anxiety prevents you from being present in moments with the ones you love. Pray, listen to music, go to the gym, read a book, take a long hot bath, drink a cup of tea, clean out a closet or 2. Find something, anything to take your mind off your problem and just be still. Be still and let God take control.

Philippians 4:7 says "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Life is meant to be joyful and peaceful. Take a breath sister and chill. Don't give your problems more fuel than they deserve. Manage your time well by trusting God with every second.

XO -Denisha