God's Prescription to Overcome Fear, Worry and Anxiety a 3-Day Plan by Alisha WalkerSample

Is Anxiety the Thief of Your Peace?

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they would have life and have it abundantly.

When Paul is telling us in Philippians not to worry or be anxious, he is telling us not to be concerned or troubled with cares. The Greek word for worry is merimnao, which means to separate the mind, being drawn in different directions through distraction, having care, concern, and being anxious. Does this sound familiar? If you’ve ever been worried, anxious, or concerned, it can be hard to focus, and it’s easy to be distracted. It can even make you feel restless.

This is why God told us to cast our cares (our worries, concerns, anxiety) on Him. When we don’t do this, we are taking the ultimate outcome of that situation we’re worried about into our own hands while seeking God to take care of it for us. James 1:5-8 says we should seek wisdom from God in our circumstances in faith and not doubt because when we do, we are double-minded.

If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].

By doubting God and not believing in faith that, when we pray over our circumstances, we are being double-minded, being pulled in different directions, and giving in to our worry.

The Bible talks about worry, being anxious, or being concerned over and over again in the New Testament, each time either telling us not to worry or reminding us not to worry because He cares for us. In Matthew 6:31, Jesus says, “ Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted).” When we are uneasy, distracted, double-minded, worried, and anxious, we cannot have peace. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” If you’ve ever dealt with any level of anxiety, this is easier said than done. However, following God’s prescription for mental wellness is how you can cast your cares on Him in faith and not worry because you know He cares for you. Finally, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]John 14:27 AMP

In the end, follow God’s plan to overcome anxiety by following this prescription:

1. Pray.
2. Ask God in faith to guide you in every circumstance and situation.
3. Be grateful over each prayer and petition as if it is already done.
4. Meditate and focus on what is good - do not be double-minded, torn in different directions, doubting the goodness of God.
5. Practice this daily.

I pray that these three days have given you a prescription to help give you peace. Interested in how to maintain your peace? Click here for the 21-Day Prescription for Peace Guided Prayer Journal.