Breaking Free From AnxietySample

Liberate the Power of the Lord

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6). The word anxious means “to be pulled apart” or “to divide.” That’s exactly what happens psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually to anxious people. They feel like their lives are being pulled apart. They want to get a handle on the problem, but they can’t seem to do it. They’re hopeful but fearful.

The plant of anxiety often comes from the seed of worry, and anxiety is the monster that worry creates. But one French soldier wrote a prescription for this poisonous seed of worry that is just outstanding.

“Of two things one is certain. Either you are at the front of the lines or you are behind the lines. If you are at the front, one of two things one is certain: either you are exposed to danger or you are in a safe place. If you are exposed to danger of two things one is certain: you are wounded or you are not wounded. If you are wounded of two things one is certain: you are either going to recover or you are going to die. If you recover there is no need to worry and if you die you can’t worry.”

Now, overcoming anxiety is more than just an effort to quit worrying. With that, you probably wouldn’t suffer from anxiety anyway. The key is being proactive to deal with it and know where to take it. This is Paul’s advice: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanks‑giving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4: 6).

Be anxious about nothing and pray about everything. You know what we tend to do instead? We get anxious about everything and pray about nothing. But do you know what happens when you pray? You liberate the power of God. You get God involved. Prayer ignites the engine that allows the missile of God’s power to blast off into your anxiety.

When we’re filled with anxiety, too often we try to handle it ourselves. Bur we not only drop the ball; we never score. Prayer, however, brings your best player into the game, the One guaranteed to take you over the goal line every single time. When you try to handle anxiety yourself, it just deepens your anxiety. So when the avalanche of anxiety is coming down that mountain right on you, the tornado of trouble is tearing your soul, or the hurricane of heartache is pounding at the door of your heart, hear God’s voice saying, Give this to me. I’ve got it. Leave it to me and leave it with me. He can handle it; you can’t. He never said you could; he always said he would.

You can also be thankful that no matter how great the pressure, how difficult the people, or how hard the problem, God not only loves you enough to take them, but he’s powerful enough to handle them and wise enough to grow you through them