Dealing with anxiety: 3 key steps

Everyone is talking about that person. And no one has a kind word about them.

I recently accepted a role in another area and before I left, I was warned about that person! I arrived and yet again I was warned.

I haven’t met that individual as yet but I found myself building up a high level of anxiety because of all that was being said and the grave warnings. I started realizing that I was feeling fear about someone I hadn’t even met and ‘knew’ based on their reputation and other persons experience.

As I reflected on those feelings, I realized that I haven’t been dealing with my anxiety well.

I needed to take steps…

Step 1: Get to the core of the issue

I was anxious because of the unknown of what I was stepping in to. For me, when I don’t know something I research! After a bit of digging about that individual and their life history, I learnt a few things that broke my heart. This individual has had a challenging life and it clearly explained the issues. I now understood them a lot better.

Step 2: Resolve the issue through prayer 

I know that I can’t fix anyone! But I serve a powerful God who can. And he uses people like you and me daily to help people heal and ultimately bring HIM all the glory. So I have been praying for this individual … And praying. Specific prayers and with scripture.

I appreciate that their healing may be a long road and might not even happen but I hope and I pray that they will be healed and God will mold me into the person HE needs me to be to make this happen.

I also pray for all of us who are quick to judge and write people off without understanding the core issues that led a person to where they are on their journey in life… We all do it, but we have to stop!

Step 3: Allow HIS Shalom to flow through you

Shalom means many things but the core meaning is peace. We serve the Prince of peace and we have to believe and trust in HIM. I have to trust in God that HE has heard my humble prayers for this individual.  That my omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (everywhere) and omniscient (all-knowing) God who knows my heart and the true goodness I want for this person’s life will grant me HIS peace. I don’t know what the outcome will be but I believe that whatever it is, God will be glorified!

Food for thought: What or who is making you anxious today? Give it to God. Stop mulling over it. Pray. Fast. Praise. Let it go and allow God’s peace to flow through you.

Prayer: (Psalm 23) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen

May God’s mercy, peace and love be with you. Shalom