There are so many reasons to be anxious when we look at the state of the world as it is today. There are tragic events that happen daily and tuning in to watch the news is sure to cause a low mood. In light of this, it can be very difficult to find those reasons to be positive throughout the day and even more difficult to keep smiling through the day. Anxiety can cause us to forget about the good things happening in our lives and 'forget' that we have a Father who grants us peace when we require it and Jesus who is our Prince of Peace! In this post, I'm sharing with you five bible verses that are great reminders that we should never be anxious but rather, place our faith in God:
Philippians 4:6 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse encourages us not only to be anxious but present an offering of thanksgiving when we make our requests known to God. It's important to continue to go to God with our requests as He is the only one capable of supplying whatever we need!
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Anxiety can cause us to forget the power we have when we exercise our faith and spiritual gifts. Making the choice to remain joyful in the face of adversity and not losing focus requires self-discipline which we can only develop with the help of the Holy Spirit.
1 Samuel 15 (NIV): In this chapter, we see how Saul lost favour with God after allowing fear to lead him to sin against God. In verse 24, Saul confesses to Samuel that he disobeyed the commandment he was given because he was 'afraid of the men'. Anxiety/fear can cause us to make the wrong decisions as we do not think clearly.
Ecclesiastes 2:22 (NIV): "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?" The book of Ecclesiastes frequently refers to the vanities of chasing after perishable things which do not hold any value when we pass on. In verse 25, Solomon goes on to remind us that only God can help us gain joy, peace and satisfaction from our labour, not by toiling or being anxious!
Psalm 139:23 (NIV): "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." The testing of our faith can reveal a lot about our anxiety so when God tests us in a particular area, it may very well be a reminder to submit that area of your life to Him and allow Him to do what He does best; be I AM THAT I AM!
If any of these verses are already familiar to you, please remind yourself of God's power to grant peace of mind even in the midst of a stormy situation and understand that He has given us POWER to overcome. You are an OVERCOMER!