4 FOR ANXIOUS TIMES

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

In recent weeks I have periodically been beset by some intense anxiousness.  Last night was a good example. Tossing and turning.  Watching the same SPORTSCENTER multiple times because I am paralyzed and deeply uncomfortable.  Just being real.

And during the broadcast they did an interview with Kevin Love who during a game was crippled by an anxiety attack and is now speaking out in advocacy. 

So, I guess I am not alone.

I will tell you I am a little better this morning.

A little exercise.  

A little progress on the mountainous to do list and the churn is recessing. 

But the nightmarish evening did drive me to look for some HELP.  

And I found a little in the following:  

4 steps for praying over anxiety, as suggested by well-known author and speaker Max Lucado:

1.   Pray immediately.

“Don’t stew over the problems that are besetting you or your neighbor. Ask God for help as soon as you identify a need.”

2.   Pray specifically.

“When we boil our concerns down to a specific request, they become right-sized. Vague threats loom larger than concrete challenges.”

3.   Pray for and with others.

“When we consider the problems of others and enlist their help with ours, our concerns become more manageable.”

4.   Pray with thanksgiving.

“Anxiety and gratitude cannot occupy the same space. When we catalog what are thankful for, our list of challenges grows less powerful.”

Lord Jesus, the stresses in my life often reach a dangerous proportion—or so it seems. My body, mind, and spirit struggle to keep up physically, mentally, and yes, spiritually. Some days anxiety stalks me like a deceitful predator, and the temptation to worry draws me in. I know better, but some days the challenges outweigh the truths buried inside. My trust in You fades into the background, giving fear and concerns permission to discourage me.

In those moments of apprehension, help me remember that I belong to You, and that You are not the author of fear or anxiety, but the giver of love and a sound mind.

Teach me Your ways to respond to problems by giving thanks in them. Your Word assures me that You are always there with me. You are the Blessed Controller of all things, and nothing escapes Your attention in my life. You have given me every tool and spiritual blessing to fight against those things that try to steal my peace. You’ve promised that when I’m stressed, and burdens are trying to weigh me down, I can come to You. You will give me sweet rest!

Whether the anxiety stems from work, parenting, finances, physical issues, or even world conditions, You are there, Lord, to shoulder the weight. Teach me to recognize the stressful trials as tools for you to shape me and rearrange me. Through those difficult times, You will teach me patience, enlarge my faith, and help me see things I couldn't see earlier—if I will only let You. When I'm clueless as to what to do, Lord, I want to turn to you first, not last.

Forgive me for trying to handle things on my own, Lord. The need to be in control sometimes gets a stronghold on my life. That only makes things worse. I want to trust You more and see things from Your perspective, not my own. No one makes me feel uptight, angry, or stressed, and no one forces me to react negatively. I choose to respond according to my beliefs. Do I believe You are in control? Do I believe You created all things and hold all things in Your Hand? Do I believe You are truly good? When an anxious thought creeps in, help me to stop and relax, to take that thought captive, and to turn apprehension into a calm prayer for deliverance. Revamp my belief system, Lord. Show me a new way to handle life according to Your Way.

No matter what issues I am dealing with; no matter how big the problems or situations, I'm laying them all at Your feet today. Turn these potentials for stress into lessons for growth and trust. When I can't see any possible solutions, I choose to believe that You are working things out for my good—in Your own time, as you have in the past. Show me what to do, or what not to do. As I focus on You, remembering Your promises and Your words, I believe You will fill me with a peace that is beyond all understanding.

I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. – Matthew 11:29 (MSG)

In Your precious name,

Amen

I feel better.

Maybe you do too.

…perfect love drives out fear – 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Have a blessed day…

I am praying for one too.

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE