Overcoming Anxiety

Psalm 94:19 (NKJV) In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

You may presume that a person that ministers about intimacy with Jesus, daily time in prayer and the study of the Word, must be a pretty good person... in my case, desperation doesn't flow from a place of holiness, but one of incredible need and desire. You see, I don't like who I am without Him. If I neglect intimate time, sharing my heart, drawing closer to Jesus and studying my Bible...I may be okay the first day...I may even make it through the second day, but by day three... the old man begins to come through. I feel the old insecure feelings, I'm unsettled and anxiety begins to grip my mind. I find it hard to breath and I begin to search for reasons for the heaviness... that leads to blaming others, then anger starts to creep in. Yeah... I'm a mess without Jesus!

You may feel those same anxious feelings come over you, yet instead of doing what is absolutely necessary to alleviate the stress, you reach for a pill, a bottle or you become overcome with depression. I'm not saying these things to bring judgment on anyone. I just want you to realize that our peace, fulfillment and joy as a Christian has a direct correlation with our relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and in the presence of God is where our peace can be found.

I often say that not spending time with God is not an option for me. I don't say that because I'm super spiritual, it's the opposite, it's because of my depravity without Him. My thoughts, motives, actions, words and attitude all changes when my focus is not on Jesus. The glue that holds me together is weakened and I find that I can't do life alone. Does that make me weak? Absolutely not! I've come to know that He is the strength in my weakness. I know how to remain strong, fruitful and fulfilled...I just have to abide in Him! It's a beautiful place to live and there's no life outside of it!

Are you stressed or depressed? Do you struggle with anxiety? That's nothing that daily time seeking Him won't take care of. Your peace isn't based on circumstances but only on your time spent in His presence!

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.