What promises can I hold on to when I’m feeling anxious?

August 21 - August 25, 2023 | Always Peachy Devotionals | Managing Anxiety Week 4

When you aren’t certain of your next step, what is the first thing you do?

Maybe it’s research. Nothing can get you answers like a good old-fashioned Google search, right? Sure, they may not be accurate answers, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose.

Maybe it’s meeting with a friend or a trusted mentor and asking advice. That’s always a great idea, except usually it’s a better idea to make sure that person has some experience with what you’re struggling with. Not always. But usually it’s wise.

It’s going to sounds awfully cliched, but how often do we bring our uncertainties to God? Are we in the habit of bringing our fears and insecurities to Him and letting Him do something with them?

I am usually okay about bringing my concerns to Him, but I’m not good at leaving them there. I feel like I have to be doing something, so I usually snatch them back before I’ve given Him opportunity to act.

He is so patient with me. I’m sure He’s always up in heaven shaking His head, saying, “There she goes again!” One of these days I’ll learn to just be still, but I’m not there yet. Are you?

Anxiety can rise up out of nowhere and knock the wind out of us. Life is overflowing with reasons to be anxious. I’m not even talking about excuses to be anxious. We are inundated with legitimate reasons to fear and worry and stress out.

But as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to be. Our anxieties don’t have to control us. But that’s easier said than done. How do you navigate your way through the minefields of worry and stress? Is it even possible to not give anxiety power in our lives?

It’s absolutely possible, and it begins with a solid understanding of the promises God has made to us. Because once you know and believe God’s promises, anxiety and worry lose their power. That doesn’t mean you won’t still face them or feel them, but you won’t have to give in to them.

So what are the promises God has made to us? How do His promises affect our daily lives, and what can we hold on to when anxiety and fear are trying to drown us?

• August 21 - God’s love

• August 22 - God’s grace

• August 23 - God’s strength

• August 24 - God’s power

• August 25 - God’s mercy

These are only a few of the promises God has made to us, but if these are all we know, these are plenty.

Anxiety doesn't have to control you. Your fear doesn’t have to control the wheel of your car. Worry doesn’t have to be the foundation you build your life on.

All of those things you’re carrying in your daily life right now are too heavy for you. It’s not being weak to admit that. It’s the truth. Your shoulders aren’t wide enough or broad enough to carry them all, and you aren’t fast enough to keep all your plates spinning. Not on your own.

But all those burdens? God is willing to carry them. That’s what our verse this week is all about, Psalm 55:22.

How liberating is that? You can give God all those heavy things that are weighing you down. You can surrender those overwhelming details that feel like they’re dictating your life. Let God have them. It’s not giving up when you’re giving them to Him.

Let Him guide you. Let Him help you. Let Him walk with you. He won’t let you fall. You might trip. You might stub your toe every now and then. That’s life. That’s normal for broken people like us, even when we’re doing our best. But you won’t fall. God won’t let you. And that’s a promise you can count on.

Love you all and praying that God’s peace infuses every area of your life this week.

Hugs,

Amy

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