I woke up this morning feeling so anxious. Typically, I’m fairly calm, so waking up anxious is not normal for me. But when it does happen, it’s ugly. I usually go down a path that creates more anxiety: I think about worst-case scenarios for whatever it is that’s 
worrying me. Then I think about what I would say or do in those worst-case scenarios, what others would say or do (they always make things worse, btw). Then I imagine the worst-worst case scenario – which, for me, usually involves being hated by everyone around me.
Today, though, before I could go down that trail, my husband found me in the living room, stressing out. He reminded me that most of what was worrying me were things over which I have no control. Therefore, what’s the point in worrying? God is control – not me – and I can trust Him. Then, after we talked, I texted a couple prayer partners, confessing my worry and asking for some extra prayers today. Then I spent some time in prayer – confessing all my fears and anxieties to God, acknowledging that I can’t do anything about any of it, but He can. I surrendered to His will, His guidance, I lay my burdens at His feet and begged Him to take them because they were just too heavy for me to carry.
I didn’t immediately feel relieved from my anxiety. I had to make a conscious effort to reject the temptation to go down my worst-scenario trails. Those thoughts came, and I had to battle them back. But, after a little while, those feelings faded. The worst-case scenarios disappeared. I have no doubt there is a great deal of spiritual warfare involved in battling anxiety — Satan loves nothing more than keeping a Christian’s mind off Christ and on him/herself. But “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world”. (I John 4:4)
Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety. Maybe it’s more than just occasional. Let me encourage you — talk to someone! Don’t try and “deal with it” on your own. Just the act of sharing our concerns with someone else frees us from the burdens we carry. And if you feel like your anxiety is controlling you, rather than the other way around, consider seeing a Christian counselor or pastor. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. We all have weaknesses. We’re human! And there are plenty of godly men and women who love to help others in their struggles, to show them how God’s “power is perfected in weakness.” (II Cor. 12:9)
If you are battling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone! Especially in these difficult times. Talk to someone TODAY. Spend time with the Lord in prayer and in His word. He delights in you, and He is with you.
