Finding Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
As I sat in the doctor’s office, hearing the formal diagnosis of General Anxiety Disorder, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Finally, I had a name for the overwhelming emotions that had been plaguing me for so long. But with that relief came a wave of shame and guilt. Why couldn’t I just “get it together”? Why did I have to struggle with this?
A Verse That Brought Comfort and Frustration
I had always found solace in Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.” But now, those words seemed hollow. How could I possibly “not be anxious” when everything in my life felt overwhelming?
Shifting Focus
As I continued to recite those verses, my focus began to shift. Instead of dwelling on the impossibility of not being anxious, I started to focus on the next phrase: “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I began to cry out to God, pouring out my fears and worries to Him. I looked for things to be thankful for, even in the midst of anxiety.
Experiencing God’s Peace
And then, something miraculous happened. In the moments when I felt like I couldn’t go on, God filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of peace. It was as if He was guarding my heart and mind, just as the verse promised. He led me to the right doctor, counselor, and friends who helped me get the support I needed. He even restored a difficult relationship through my diagnosis, reminding me that He can take the difficult, ugly, and even shameful things in our lives and use them for our good and His glory.
A Prayer of Thanks
Lord, thank You for the ways You uphold us and care for us as we walk through times of difficulty. Thank You that You transform the pain in our lives into things of beauty, as we trust in You. Thank You that You love us in spite of our brokenness.
A Promise for You
If you’re struggling with worry and anxiety today, know that God promises to guard your heart and mind and fill you with His peace when you surrender your worries to Him. Claim this promise for yourself. Recite Philippians 4:6-7 whenever you have anxious thoughts, and remember that God is always there to help you.
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