Praying for Anxiety
Being a Christian doesn’t mean we won’t face any troubles during our time here on earth. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that trials and tribulation will come; John 16:33 says, In this world you will have trouble—but keep reading! Jesus also goes on to say, But take heart! I have overcome the world.
So, yes, trouble will come for us but don’t worry! Because Christ has defeated your troubles.
I could end this article right here, but I know many of you are still reading and thinking—but how do I pray if I’ve already begun to worry? How do I stop feeling so anxious?? I have a couple articles on worry that I want to encourage you to read; Don’t Worry, Let Not Your Heart Be Worried, How To Cast Your Cares on God, and You’re In Trouble? are excellent reads. But today I want to talk about anxiety.
What’s the difference between worry and anxiety?
Think of worry as a focalized reaction; we worry when we have a test coming up, we worry about what to wear on our first date, we worry if we’ve overcooked the brownies again. Worry usually takes place in our heads and is sometimes easily solved by taking steps in a more positive direction. But anxiety is “bigger” than worry. Anxiety doesn’t just take up space in our heads, it usually triggers a physical reaction—sweaty palms, inability to eat, jittery nerves, teeth chattering. While worry is something that can be calmed, anxiety is often uncontrollable and sometimes occurs without a trigger; ever heard of an anxiety attack?
When I was in college, I studied anxiety as a disorder—I was a psychology major. We learned about severe cases of men and women experiencing anxiety attacks while driving, out with friends, or even while resting at home. These attacks can be triggered by experiencing stressful situations, but anxiety on a severe level can sometimes be unprovoked.
So what do you do when you’re facing an enemy you cannot see and who strikes at random?
You remember John 16:33.
Jesus didn’t say, take heart, I’ve overcome parts of the world. Or, take heart, I’ve overcome worry and stress but not anxiety. No! Jesus said, Take heart! I have overcome the world! That means the entire world, every part of it! He left no stone unturned, He shed His Blood for each and every one of us, He uprooted every sickness, evil, and sin. CHRIST CONQUERED YOUR ANXIETY AT THE CROSS!
It might be easier said than done but faith comes by hearing [Romans 10:17], so I’ll say it again; DON’T WORRY! BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING [Philippians 4:6]! GOD’S GOT THIS!
Christ has overcome the world, my friend, so whenever you feel yourself beginning to worry, whenever you feel the anxiety building, whenever an attack hits you, remember John 16:33. Remember that your worry, your anxiety, your stress has already been defeated. Anxiety attacks are considered a disorder—mental, emotional, psychological, whatever—but a disorder is not bigger than the Blood of Christ Jesus.
Jesus can still heal your nerves. He can still overcome your worries. He can still deliver you from your anxiety if you will just call on Him and trust in Him and have the patience to wait on Him. Don’t give up on God. While you are waiting for your deliverance, praise the Lord! Speak to your enemy, cast away your anxiety, remind the devil he is a defeated foe—do not let your anxiety win!
Only you can control how you react to stress, worry, and anxiety. Will you crumble and fall, or will you remember the God you serve? You are victorious, a child of the Most High God, and nothing can overtake you. Not worries, not stress, not anxiety. Remember who you are.
God bless.