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I was about to ignore it but felt led by God to read it and I did. I just learnt something that by God's grace will always be with me.
Pray in times of anxiety.
Everyone on earth, believing in Jesus or not, has at some point been anxious about something and felt bad about something; I have, more than a few times.
The funny thing is that the last thing on my mind is prayer usually.
Another funny thing is this: The Bible verse (Philippians 4:6-7) that the author of the post referenced is a verse I am familiar with. Isn't it funny and amazing when you learn something from a verse you already know in the Bible?
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I never saw the link. But now that I've seen it, it makes so much sense. In those moments that we feel weak, in accordance with God's word, that's when we clearly see His power. His Power is shown in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
So when next you get attacked and tempted by the enemy, PRAY. Try to remember this. I will by God's grace. And when you overcome the enemy, do not make the error of thinking you did it; Remember, every good deed and victory we have is as a result of God working in us and through us. God gets the glory.
But, What Causes anxiety?
In my experience and according to the Bible, no temptation is known to one man only, so I believe others can relate, Anxiety is caused by not finding your identity in Christ; by not trusting God completely.
The times that I have been anxious about anything and felt bad are those times that I look to get my self-worth from things the world considers as the best. I'll give you a list.
Things that cause anxiety
Don't get me wrong though, some or most of these things are important, but eternally, none of them matter:
Finding your self-worth in...
a. How much money you have (I wonder why I thought of this first)
b. The clothes you wear
c. Your grades (getting A's or better ;) )
d. Whether other people (guys, girls, or both) find you attractive
****more deep stuff****
e. Whether you can provide for your family
f. The job you have
g. Not sure what your future holds (Jeremiah 29:11 - always a good reminder.)
If you closely examine the things (out of all the worries out there), you'll notice that they all have something to do with your self worth and how the world will consider you; Either as "Successful, "Okay" or "A bum".
Well there will be bums in Heaven; so I think it's better to be a bum and end up in God's presence than to be as rich as Bill Gates and not go to Heaven.
Application
If you ever find yourself in any of those situations, PRAY.
Ask God in that moment to help you find your identity in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus gives you peace. Jesus will motivate you to be better. He will reveal some things that will take effort to change and break, but it's to make you better in God's eyes.
Only what God thinks of you matters.
Don't be anxious about anything.
Whether you're single, married, divorced, etc, God is the provider and He provides it all (material needs, your spiritual needs, emotional and others).
Pray when down-cast, moody or anxious. God's peace is but a prayer away.
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