Fear prompts defensive or evasive action in the face of visible danger. But anxiety is different in that it arises through a perception of a non-existent threat. Anxieties are hypothetical thoughts about possible future lacks or losses in life. “What If?” speculations are rarely positive — they are almost always negative.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “What if I were to succeed in everything I did?” “What if my income were to increase continually?” Probably not. We don’t do this with What Ifs? More likely you would think: “What if the economy gets out of control?” Or “What if the price of petrol doubles?” “What if I am unable to provide for my family?” “What if my health were to fail?” “What if terrorists were to attack me?” “What if the pathologist’s report showed I have an incurable disease?”
But what if God were to suddenly and unexpectedly bless you? Do you think this as possible? Job had a secret fear. His first words reveal his anxiety (1:5) Were the blessings of God in his life too good to last? When Satan struck, he confessed: “I feared a fear and it came upon me!” (3:25) Job saw God’s blessing as a potential problem for his children. His response was a cycle of anxious, protective prayer (Job 3:26). Is your prayer life based on faith in God’s care for you? Or on your fear that things are just too good to last?
Anxiety and faith don’t belong in the same bed —much less in the same head! Anxieties are worst-case scenarios that turn dreams into nightmares! Job said nothing wrong but his three friends did. Their opinions were not relevant to his situation. He needed comfort, not sermons that blamed him for the situation Satan had put him in (with God’s permission). Job refused to accept their insistence that he must have sinned.
The answer to anxiety is Philippians 4:6. Some settle for four words: “Be anxious for nothing” This is good, but then Paul adds “but”. The first part of the verse points out the problem; the second part prescribes the cure. “in everything” (every situation, condition and circumstance)“by prayer and petition with thanksgiving” (often the missing ingredient) “let your requests be made known to God”(by expressing what you want in words) “And” (the result will be) “the peace of God, which passes all understanding shall guard your heart and mind” (stand sentry over both emotion and intellect) “through Christ Jesus”.
The answer to every problem is its exact opposite. The opposite word to “anxious” is “relieved”. Other opposites to it are “assured, calm, confident, composed, cool, serene, unperturbed, and unruffled.”
So, when anxiety hovers, pray Philippians 4:6-7 and then choose the word that best fits your new frame of mind. (The opposite word to the problem.) Think of yourself as being as serene as a swan. Soon you’ll feel better…you’ll feel at peace.
Mind Traffic Tip: Take Peace Bypass to avoid anxiety-jammed Intellect Junction. 🙂