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

Philippians 4:6

Are you worried about an imminent event or uncertain about the outcome of a project? Are you experiencing sleepless nights as your thoughts wander on negative outcomes? Are you reaching out for other means such as alcohol or comfort eating to numb your thoughts?

These are signs of anxiety: the anticipation of negative experiences instead of focussing on the truths of God. The scriptures specifically instructs us: “Do not be anxious about anything” implying there will be anxious moments in life’s journey. We have also been given the remedy for such situations, this is, “By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” as we do this, “The peace of God” will see us through.

When we fail to do this, the anxiety prolongs and becomes pathological with the feeling of tiredness, dry mouth, strong, fast and irregular heart beat, excessive sweating and feeling sick.

Anxious moments are not unique to any person. Moses was anxious when he was asked to go and instruct Pharaoh to free the people of Israel from slavery (Exodus 3).  Esther was anxious when Mordecai asked her to approach the King for a favour that will reverse a decree intended to destroy the people of Israel (Esther 4). Christ was perhaps anxious about dying on the cross and prayed at the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:41-44).

Moses, Esther and Christ responded with prayers and supplication to God. Moses’ supplication is in Exodus 4. Esther asked the people to fast for three days (Esther 4:10). Jesus prayed, “if this cup could be taken away from me” (Luke 22:42).  All three went through their anxious moments with the peace of God and were successful.

Be encouraged when facing anxious moments. Let God know what you need in prayer, supplication and with a heartfelt thanksgiving. He cares for you so His will control the way you think and will bless you with peace beyond understanding. (Philippians 4:6,7: 1 Peter 3:5) Amen

Dr Rex