I am a “glass half empty” person. Not the type of thinking you’d expect from a believer in Christ. However, I am a human being and, by nature, in no way perfect. I try to come across as the “glass half full” person, but who am I kidding. Definitely not myself. And most likely not those who know me and most of my faults.
Being prone to extreme social anxiety, and general anxiety disorder, I worry, fret, and often think the worst, which throws me into the thick of all sorts of panic symptoms. I know those aren’t feelings from God, and I know He doesn’t want me to feel that way.
God, who loves us so much, and gave everything for us, wants us to feel safe, secure, and peaceful.
The only way He can do that, and we can receive, is for us to surrender and give whatever is making our life difficult up to Him.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
Maybe you’ve heard the expression “Uncle, uncle?” It is attached to a childhood game I never liked, but the expression means, “I give up. I have had enough.” When I think of that, and giving God control, I see us raising our hands and saying, “Take it. I give up. I need your help. I can’t do it on my own.” Or, it can be falling on our knees and surrendering to Him.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
As I thought about this today, an image of a wall of God’s angels came to mind. They are standing there, arms interlocked, swords held high; blocking the nature of the human world from attacking us. I had a feeling that when those angels are there doing God’s work in protecting us, we feel His protection, love, and security.
Then it came to mind that I don’t always feel His presence, even when I know He is there ALL the time. It made me wonder if maybe, because He wants to know we love Him under any circumstance, He has the angels leave an opening that allows the world to get in. That‘s when my anxieties take flight, and I know I must surrender to Him so He knows I will love Him no matter what.
Most of my days are filled with anxiety. It is a condition that I have fought many years and one that God has not yet said, “Yes, I will take that from you” when I ask Him for that. I do not think He has said, “No”, but I do think He is saying, “Wait, there is still much I want you to learn, and I want you to trust in Me and come to Me, and rely on Me; not yourself.”
I have a very good friend who also suffers from anxiety. This year we had several months to Skype and really talk. Although I am sure it is a saying that has been around a long time, we started using a phrase, a motto, to add to our conversations as a simple prayer.
#GodsGotThis #GGT
And, even in my darkest moments, I know He does, as long as I continue to throw up my hands or fall on my knees in surrender. He really does have this; has my anxiety; He knows my limits and will not push me beyond that.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me strength. Thank you for giving us all strength. We believe, God, that You’ve Got This! Amen.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34
