The cure for anxiety (1)

Anxiety is the result of excessive concern. And if left unchecked, it can rob you of important things like confidence, joy, peace, humour, and perspective. Anxiety comes from obsessing over something; trying to figure out what happened, needing to understand what people are thinking, and struggling to decide what to do. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).

Trust requires living with unanswered questions, and being satisfied in knowing that God knows what you don’t know. You will never have all the answers. You will never have a perfect understanding of things. Even the apostle Paul acknowledged, ‘For we know in part …’ (1 Corinthians 13:9 KJV). The cure for anxiety may involve the help of a doctor or medical professional, but it also begins with accepting these three things:

First, that God knows everything.

Second, God is never surprised.

Third, God is never without a solution.

So here are your options: carry the burden yourself or cast it on the Lord. ‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.’(1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Note the words ‘all your worries’. Learning to live this way takes patience and practice, so don’t expect an overnight miracle. The secret is in learning to catch yourself in the act.

When anxiety comes, say, ‘Lord, this is not mine, it’s yours. So, I’m giving it to you.’ Try it throughout this month and see what happens.