Stress and anxiety are given and used by God to grow us. Think of Israel in the desert, stressed out and anxious but learning to lean on God. Think of 1 Peter 1:6-7, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Trials are stressful, but necessary; God often brings us these times so we throw ourselves on Him, in Him, and with Him. How would we know God’s love, grace, strength, mercy if we didn’t need Him and rely on Him through stress and anxiety?
What do you know about troubles, stress, and anxiety? You worry, “Did I say the right thing, do the right thing? What if this or that happens?” Stress and anxiety are a very heavy sense of fear, worry, or doubt. How do we deal with the anxiety? This promise in Philippians 4:6-7 is very helpful: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul knew all about anxiety and being brought low and how to face hunger, abundance, and need (Phil 4:10-12). His plans were often “up in the air” (Phil 2:19-24). His friend and workmate Epaphroditus was ill in Phil 3:26-27. He certainly had his hard experiences in Corinthians: shipwrecks, beatings, prison, etc. How did he deal with it? How do you deal with the troubles you face?
“Do not be anxious about anything.” Take that thought captive. Deny it, rebuke it. You can keep your thoughts and emotions in check. Take a deep breath, get some sunshine and fresh air. Don’t dwell on it or live in it. Yes, take the necessary actions, trying to solve or resolve the issue, lay out a plan in prayer the best you can and work the plan, do what seems reasonable, trusting God. And live life: get out of bed, wash your face, shake it off, trust the process. You are in control of your thoughts and emotions; anxiety does not win or have a say over you. God is greater than the situation or the anxiety. Don’t forget who your God is and where He is through this ordeal.
Don’t be anxious, but instead, “by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Pray without ceasing, longer times and shorter times throughout the day. Focus on the prayers and requests and supplication and thanksgiving. Focus on God. He’s in charge of your difficult situation. What is His role in this, where is He in this situation, what is He saying and doing? The good news is, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He and His peace and presence are guarding your heart and mind, in Christ. He is your rock, shield, and defender through this time. Praise Him. He is using this situation to draw you closer. This is a good place for you to be.
Stress and anxiety are times of reorienting and recalculating. It is surfing and reacting to the different waves that hit you, staying on the board, above the water. It is navigating through the storm and coming out on the other side. You will come out on the other side. God is sovereign over all things. It’s not an accident to have this hard situation. You will come out of it closer to Him, stronger, more focused, more dependent. Paul said to be transformed by the renewal of your mind. We are to set our hope on things above; you have the power to control our thoughts and emotions and think on particular things. Rely on and use the spiritual armor and the presence of God through His Spirit in your fight against stress and anxiety.