Dealing with Anxiety

I confess. I worry. Healthy concerns often morph and bombard my mind. What if I lose my job? What if I don't measure up? What if people don't like me? What if?

What if I let go of my worries? What if I resist their harm? What if I stop comparing myself? What if I lived today? What if?

What if is right now. Right now, I'm protecting myself. Right now, I'm smiling in the mirror. Right now, I'm enjoying the moment. Right now, I'm believing God.

Worry threatens to wear me down (Proverbs 12:25). It pressures and overpowers me (Luke 8:14). It crushes my spirit (Proverbs 15:13) and dries up my bones (Proverbs 17:22). Weak, but what if?

Worry robs me of myself. It compares me to my neighbor. It fills me with strife (Proverbs 17:1). It ignores God's treasures (1 Corinthians 7:17). Burdened, but what if?

Worry thrusts me into time. It sprints into the future. It runs after the wind (Ecclesiastes 4:6) and pleads another hour (Matthew 6:27). Frenzied, but what if?

What if is right now.

I'm protecting this temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I'm guarding my heart (Proverbs 4:23). I'm feasting on hopefulness (Proverbs 15:15). Strong, right now.

I'm content with who I am (Luke 12:22-24). I'm valuing my labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13). I'm casting all my burdens (1 Peter 5:7). Light, right now.

I'm not anxious about the future. I'm honoring the present (Psalm 118:24). I have light for today (Psalm 119:105). Tomorrow, the same (Matthew 6:34). Calm, right now.

What if I let go of my worries?

What if is right now.

Weak, burdened, frenzied.

Strong, light, calm.

Free.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Source:
The Holy Bible, New International Version.