Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
“Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and
are thankful for everything you’ve got.”
As one who lives with anxiety, I cling to Philippians 4:6.
When I look back over my life, anxiety raised its hand way too
often. In school, I was the kid who wanted to hide when we read aloud in class.
I’d just as soon fade into the brick wall as wait to be called on for the
kickball team. I wasn’t just shy (although I was shy) I was terrified of
attention.
That was my anxiety. The beast has a unique way of manifesting
itself in all of us. Most of us feel anxious in certain situations due to
stress. Some anxiety is normal.
As an adult, my anxiety reared its head as panic attacks. In my
forties, I returned to college to finish my Bachelor’s degree, but I absorbed
more information, at one time, than my brain could handle. To get technical—the
serotonin didn’t hang out long enough for the process. The doctor figured out
the problem and recommended medication. To me the meds are no different than if
I was diabetic and had to take insulin. I need them.
But along with the medication, I have another healer in my pocket.
Prayer. When I seek God’s attention and pour out all that I’m thankful for—the
anxiety dissipates. Yes, I cry and laugh. Laughter is wonderful, tears
sometimes help, but the best antidote for anxiety is gratitude. I can sit and
talk to my heavenly Father about all the wonders of spring. As I observe my
flowers, I say thank you. When I think of my loved ones, I pray thanks. When I
consider Jesus’ sacrifice for me, I bow in appreciation.
God created the science behind the meds which help my anxiety, and
he’s given me joy and peace in place of fear.
Replace anxiety with gratitude.
Click to tweet: Anxiety is a Beast