Our mental well-being is very important and we should consider different ways to ensure that we do not do things that trigger mental stress and illness. As believers, we have the word of God as the standard of our lives and whatever we do must be considered in the light of God’s words. One common mental condition that affects us on a daily basis is anxiety. The “feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome” can cause one to lose sight of the very things that matter most. We all have needs and wants that cause us to be anxious about life. Even the richest people in the world have their needs and wants. Worrying about something does not change the outcome. So what should we do to overcome anxiety? Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) First, it is important to know that being anxious about everything is not God’s will for you. Scripture reminds as in Philippians 4:6a that, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Personally, I don’t remember changing anything in my life due to anxiety. In fact, anxiety causes me to lose focus and I achieve less because I tend to focus on what cannot be achieved as compared to what can be done. Anxiety causes me to be nervous and this is naturally followed by clumsiness. Something that could possibly have been done without errors becomes impossible to do because of nervousness. The Bible’s solution to anxiety is this: “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6b). By presenting our situation to God, we tell Him to take charge. Being anxious can affect our mental well-being and our relationship with God. There are so many things we cannot do on our own and there are situations we can only resolve by divine interventions. Sometimes we also need to open up to people with the skills and expertise to assist us. God has placed everyone in our lives for a purpose and we should take advantage of the skills of others when we need them. Most importantly, pray and present to God whatever is causing you to be anxious. On some days, be intentional to present your thanksgiving even in the midst of your challenges and see God coming through for you. God uses humans most times to meet our needs, so be mindful of people God brings your way at your lowest point. They could be your helpers. Jesus admonishes us as follows: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Do not be anxious about anything, commit your ways to the Lord and He will send you help in times of need.
top of page
bottom of page
Comments