I’m sure you have them. Those anxious thoughts about an upcoming situation or about something that occurred that just doesn’t sit well. Or maybe there’s a health concern that makes you uneasy. There are even medication reactions that cause anxiety. If you’ve ever experienced a natural disaster, you probably felt some anxiety.

I don’t like feeling anxious. I tend to become very warm, sweat much more than normal, and my heart races. After the anxiousness has subsided, I feel depleted.

Obviously in the situation of immediate danger, being anxious is normal and natural. Anxiousness can be a difficult issue for some, even overwhelming.

Sometimes, however, we are anxious for reasons that do not merit these feelings.

Proverbs reminds us that “an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25 – NIV) Anxiety can cause us to feel unnecessarily burdened.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” It may be difficult to act in this way, but we are told to face difficulty in this manner.

So what are we to do with our anxieties? 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Give it to God. Give it completely, totally, without any hesitation, to God.

We are to trust God with all of our cares. Nahum shares these words, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 – NIV)

And if we jump back to Philippians 4:7 (NIV), Paul tells us what we will receive when we trust and give God our anxiety. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s peace will cover us and we won’t even be able to understand why we are at peace in tough situations.

Friends, I know that anxiety comes in many forms for many reasons. What I pray today is that the anxious thoughts and feelings are given to God. Allow His peace to cover your heart. And perhaps we all should pray this prayer. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna