One of the less publicized casualties of this current global pandemic has been the stress factors, which has only increased anxiety for many people. Its a known fact that living with high levels of anxiety we are putting our entire well-being at risk. Anxiety wrecks havoc on our emotional equilibrium as well as our physical health. Being fixated on the main stream media with all its negative news coupled with spending time with people who only complain about the current events can only intensify our anxiety.
From a Christian's perspective we know that Jesus spoke about times that I believe we are living right now. Jesus spoke to his disciples about the stress of the nations and men's hearts failing them from fear. As Christians we are called upon to reflect and meditate on what the Word says. I am going to take a scripture from the Gospel of Luke 21 verse 28 which states "When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads because your redemption draws near". We are to look up and focus on Jesus instead of paying attention to every negative headline or situation. To quote the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2 verses 6 and 7 when he wrote "You should be anxious for nothing. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ".
Anxiety is not a condition, its actually a choice. You can choose to worry or you can choose to trust God. Whenever you are worrying and you are anxious could be a sign that you are not really trusting in God. If there is something that is causing you anxiety my suggestion is to write it down somewhere. Write down everything you are worried about and that list of worries becomes your prayer list. What you are saying is "Lord, these worries have been on my plate but now I am putting them on your plate. These worries are in your hands and I am trusting that You are going to take care of them and also take care of me". When we trust God He will give us peace that surpasses all understanding. He will use that supernatural peace to guard over our hearts and mind. That's how we live in God's peace despite all the concerning things that may be happening in our world right now.
Another important factor when dealing with anxiety is remaining in fellowship with other believers. Obviously, in this current global pandemic with the constant changing of restrictions it has limited Christian fellowship all over the world. It has resulted in a lot people watching Church online but we all know that experience is not quite the same as fact-to-face fellowship. Isolation may have helped control the spread the virus but spiritually and psychologically isolating oneself is one of the most dangerous things we can do as humans. We were created to be in fellowship and relationship. God created us to live in community with one another. More than anything before we need to be in the company of other believers. Hebrews 10 makes this very clear "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together as in the manner of some but exhorting one another and so much more as you see the day approaching". So, don't be neglecting gathering together as Paul wrote it becomes more important as you see the day approaching as the end times grow increasingly near we need to be together encouraging each other towards good works.
That is the difference from just sitting around and allowing anxiety to control our mind and emotions. Instead of actively engaged with our brothers and sisters in Christ we simply need to be around other believers. More than ever before it is imperative that we draw closer to our Heavenly Father and seek Him out in all that we do. Both my wife, Corrie, and I have tee shirts that states bodly "Its Not A Religion - Its A Relationship". Relating to Psalm 16 verse 11 which states "In Your presence there is fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore". Having this joy will cancel any anxiety that we may be experiencing. There is no doubt in my mind that if we keep our focus on God, refuse to be anxious for anything, gather regular with other believers and have an intimate relationship with God, anxiety will flee from us and have the peace that is beyond any worldly understanding.
May our Heavenly Father watch over you and your loved ones.
Amen.
About The Author: Steve is a Christian Blogger, Videographer, and Personal Trainer. His content creation focuses on Societal Lifestyles, Health/Fitness and Faith. #healthylifestyle
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