Introduction to Anxiety
Day 1
by Gini Crawford, MSW
posted 6/7/2020
What's in this daily devotional
I know some of you are thinking, "Hey, we are told in Matthew 6 and Philippians 4 not to be anxious. So what do you mean by saying, be anxious but do not sin? Isn't all anxiety sin?" I will answer this question in the rest of this daily devotional. I will also answer other questions such as: What is anxiety? When did anxiety first start? Is anxiety ever good? How anxiety is misunderstood. The importance of anxiety to our well-being, even survival. Studying anxiety from God's standpoint and then applying the information to our lives - gives us the wisdom and confidence in God that we need to triumph over the anxious happenings of this world.
Our anxious world
We live in a world where many things can bring on anxiety. Think of what's happening globally now. With the health and financial struggles of the Pandemic, along with the reality that some governments are having trouble helping their own people, who wouldn't be anxious unless they are living in uninformed bliss? A country next to the United States is known for its kidnappings and murders because of organized crime groups. Their crime effects my country quite a bit. If this situation doesn't give you a healthy fear along with a sense of anxiousness, you are probably in denial.
Anxiety constantly hits in our daily life. Here are some everyday examples: You have a two year old who is an escape artist, so you lock every door and anxiously pray for his safety. You have a teenager who struggles in school, so you are worried. A friend of mine has an immune system disease and gets anxious when she starts sensing her health is declining again. I can relate with her anxiety, because I have an immune system disease. Your contractor is dishonest, the washer just broke, your husband is a first responder, the city just raised its taxes, bills are piling up, mom is sick, the neighbor hates your dog, yes, just everyday living can be bring anxious feelings.
Life Application
God is with you through the anxious happenings
God's Word tells us He is always with us, so whether we feel God is with us or not, He is. Read Psalm 139:1-18,23-24. From this passage you learned God is absolutely with you through the ups and downs of life, and your anxious struggles (Philippians 4:5b-7). No matter how dark situations seem the light of God's presence is with you. Remember, darkness isn't dark to God but an opportunity for His light to overcome the anxious struggles of life. His hand will lead you through it all.
Describe a few situations that make you anxious. Do you feel God is with you through those situations?
Meditate on Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24 for a few minutes.