Do you ever get caught in the ‘what if’ kind of thoughts, the ones that create one script of dread or doom after another? What if I get cancer? What if my son gets called to war? What if the economy collapses? What if …   It happens to me occasionally around 2 am. In the darkness, my mind goes into high gear with anxious thoughts about the possibilities of tomorrow.

Most of us become fearful or anxious every now and then, but for some anxiety is a daily curse. Some feel it so acutely that they are caught in a panic that paralyzes. For others, it is nagging worry that robs their energy, like carrying a heavy weight through life. Sometimes that anxiety creates a sense of inadequacy that makes the person retreat from life.

If you are one of those who wrestles with anxiety, know that it is not because you are weak or flawed in character. I want to encourage you NOT to just ‘learn to live with it’ for there are choices that can defeat those thoughts.

We are a combination of “Thoughts-Feelings-Behaviors.”  How we live is shaped by what we think, from what we are taught to believe, or even from values we absorb without conscious thought.

What are you feeding to your thoughts? What kind of stories do you believe? If we are often in the grip of anxiety, we do well to examine our thoughts, perhaps with the help of a skilled counselor. We may become aware of thoughts not based on truth, exaggerated fears, assumptions unsupported by facts.

Christians go a step further! God, by His Spirit, enters me and the Word informs me. There is a wonderful promise in the Scripture, a key to a changed life. We learn that the Spirit will direct us and we can “be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” (Romans 12)

Another inspired passage points to the way to ‘peace.’ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-10, NIV)

How do we get control of anxiety?

First, that passage urges us to pray! Real prayer is not a rote set of words we offer sleepily right before we go to bed. We engage our mind with God; we take our genuine concerns to Him. We ask for wisdom, insight, and provision. We can pray by choosing a place alone, in silence, focusing our thoughts on the Presence of God, breathing slowly, letting our thoughts become quiet so we can ‘hear’ the voice of Holy Spirit.

Next, we are told to “give thanks!”  Yes, friend, gratitude is more than a response to pleasant situations. It is sometimes a ‘sacrifice’ offered with conscious choice. We look away from our need to see the good, what God has provided. Thankfulness elevates God over Self in our minds. It helps us to see His work in our lives.

Then, that passage tells us to choose to redirect our thoughts!
“If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
A Psalm of praise helps reshape them.
Turning all the stream of negative news that makes us feel as though the whole world is on fire will help us to better thoughts.
Setting aside the endless distraction of social media will give us clarity.

Yes, we may need to speak to ourselves to break a cycle of negative reactions. “Stop! Lord, come near and own my mind!”  It is a simple prayer that can be powerful.

That Word we read a moment ago reminds us that “you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”

There will be times, in every life, when fatigue comes after major effort, or when illness depletes us, or when many pressures come from all side, or when disappointment finds us and won’t let go. God is still God those times. Isaiah invites us to enter the promised peace of God. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10, NIV) The peace of which that Scripture speaks is a state of being. “Shalom” is the Hebrew word, rich in meaning – including being whole, complete, and living with a tranquil mind, as we know God’s full provision for life!

So, let me ask it again – are you entering into the promise of God, living in His holy peace, the ‘shalom’ promised to people who are embraced by His great love?

Defeat anxiety with simple prayer,
by choosing gratitude (to God and others), and
by redirecting your thoughts.

The ‘peace of God’ is real, but we must own it! When we build our hope around money, reputation, or even the acceptance of other people – we will turn into unsettled, confused, and anxious people.

I pray that the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Amen
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