I am often tempted to let fear and anxiety run its mouth in my mind. Too many times, I am unaware until it crosses a drastic line. There are seasons past, when I absolutely was overcome with fear... But as the saying goes, "fear is a Liar"!
I think we’re living in an age of anxiety. Everywhere I look, I see friends and loved ones struggling with it. Many are not just struggling but consumed by it, day after day.
What is anxiety?
Anxiousness? Nerves? A chemical imbalance? Being high-strung?
One major source of anxiety, according to its definition, is uncertainty. And when we strip away all the layers, what remains is fear.
I’ve had long seasons of my life where I struggled with anxiety. Looking back, it started when I was really young.
Uncertainty.
I have found there are only a few certainties in this life, death and uncertainty are two of them. Life is uncertain. So what are we supposed to do?! How can we walk in peace when life is so uncertain?
There have been seasons when I would lie awake at night, worrying about things I couldn’t change or control. I’d wake up in the morning, and before my feet even hit the floor, anxiety would grip me.
Often, I didn’t even know what was bothering me or why I felt so anxious. It would follow me for days until I finally recognized it for what it was. One moment in particular stands out to me.
Several years ago, during the Great Recession, my husband and I lost a significant portion of our monthly income without notice. One day, as I was budgeting and paying bills, I realized we didn’t have enough to cover our expenses.
As I looked at the numbers, hopeless thoughts began running unchecked through my mind. My chest tightened. I felt sick. My heart started pounding, and I broke into a sweat. I was having a panic attack.
In that moment, my phone rang. I answered, dazed.
“Are you okay?” a voice on the other end asked.
I blinked. “What?”
“Are you okay?” they asked again.
“Uh… I guess so. Who is this?” I stammered.
“I’m sorry,” the voice replied. “I’m a missionary in India. My family and I just finished watching Noah’s Arc (a surf documentary about my husband’s journey to Jesus). I felt an overwhelming call to pray for you and your husband. So I did, but I also felt like I needed to call and ask if you’re okay.”
“Wait—what?! How did you even get my number?”
He explained, “I know someone who knows your pastor and called around a bit. I tried Noah first, but he didn’t answer, so I called you. Are you okay?”
I began to cry. “No! I’m sitting here freaking out. I think I’m having a panic attack.”
“I’m so sorry,” he said gently. “How can I pray for you? Is there something specific?”
I told him about our financial struggles and my growing anxiety. He prayed with me, told me how our story had impacted his life, and promised to continue praying for us.
I was completely overwhelmed with humility and gratitude. He was in India, serving as a missionary, and yet he was praying for me! It was 1:30 a.m. there!
In that moment, God supernaturally rescued me. I felt so loved and seen by Him. Looking back, I also see it as a promise: God knew we were entering a horribly difficult season, and He wanted me to know He had my back. He is so faithful.
The Bible gives us several specific prescriptions for fear and anxiety.
Philippians 4: 4 - 9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
A couple of years later, we were walking through that horribly difficult season. I was daily in deep emotional anguish, and anxiety was trying to take me out. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart one day in the middle of my anxiety. I want you to read Psalms 23. I practically knew it from memory, having heard it so many times in my life. Read it, the Lord said.
Psalms 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Read verse four again, He said. I did. Read it again, He pushed.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
"Ok? I'm not to fear death. I get it, but I am human. I'm afraid sometimes!" I argued.
Nope, read it again, he said patiently. I did so, feeling frustrated.
I knew He was trying to get me to see something I clearly did not see.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, I will fear no evil..." He emphasized, The SHADOW of death. The SHADOW of death. It is not death! It's only the SHADOW of death. IT'S ONLY A THREAT!!
It is only a threat!
I sat there stunned. I had heard and read Psalm 23 at least a hundred times in my life and never noticed that detail.
It's only a shadow. A threat. Not actually death. FEAR IS A LIAR!
Even better, after the shadow of death part of verse four, it says, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." It's a promise that God is with us. "Your rod and staff, they comfort me." The shepherd used the rod to protect his sheep from predators and staff to discipline or bring them back when they wandered, as well as protection. It's all a promise that we are protected and safe if we follow his leading as our Shepard.
We have to trust Him.
I don't know what you are going through, but it is only a threat. Jesus is the good Shepherd. He has your back.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
Kommentarer