I woke up way to early this morning, with an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. I’m not sure if it was a dream I’d had, the stress of a busy day at work yesterday, or the sandwich I’d eaten driving home at 9 PM, but something had me stressed and I couldn’t get back to sleep.
Finally, I got up and went out to the living room to read. As I read Romans 8, with its wonderful promise that nothing, not even “our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow…can separate us from God’s love”, my anxiety disappeared, replaced by “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7)
I think this is how David must have felt when he wrote, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19 NIV). Truly, as the song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”
We all deal with anxiety at one time or another, but we need never deal with it alone. In Jesus we have “a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share”. No matter the hour of the day (or night) He is right there when you need Him, ready to hear your worries and fears, calm your anxious thoughts, and carry your burdens and cares.
This morning, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). Don’t let anxiety handcuff your life a moment longer. Instead, “Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). Invite Jesus into your heart today and let Him break anxiety’s hold.
Have a great day, sleep well tonight, and “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…” (Romans 15:13 NIV)