God’s Prescription for Anxiety
Anxiety. We all deal with it on some level, possibly daily. It’s what happens to us when our perceived ability to control our own lives, our own little kingdoms diminish or fall.
Moving. Just writing the word stirs up anxiety in the core of my being. My husband and I are in the process of downsizing and consolidating two homes into the smaller of the two homes. And now added to the anxiety level is moving my 95-year-old Mother. She’s lived in her own home independently. It was her plan to die in her home. She was not going to move again. But a recent fall and some health issues have caused her plan to change. She’s lost control of her little kingdom and she is having to relinquish control to her three children. We’re moving her to a senior living community over the next few days. I’m staying with her 24/7 for now and attempting to help her deal with her grief and anxiety. One of the things I repeatedly remind her of is that ultimately, God is sovereign. Yes, we can plan and have hopes and dreams, but they must all be entrusted to our all-knowing God. He knows the plans He has for us and what is best for us.
So how do we deal with anxiety? Yes, we can take a little pill to help our bodies adapt to the new situation. But there is also an answer found in God’s Word. The apostle Paul wrote out God’s Prescription in Philippians 4:4-9.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 NASB)
In Max Lucado’s book, “Anxious for Nothing”, he uses the acronym, C.A.L.M. to spell out the prescription for anxiety that leads us to the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding that will guard our hearts and minds. I highly recommend this book, or the table book version, “Calm”. I gave the table book version to my Mother. The following is the acronym from his book(s). It all begins with rejoicing.
Celebrate God’s goodness.
“Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4)
How will you express your joy for God’s goodness today?
Ask God for help.
“Let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
If you don’t already keep a prayer journal, start one. Begin with today’s requests.
Leave your concerns with Him.
“With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
At bedtime review the concerns you left with God this morning. Thank Him for relieving you of your anxious thoughts.
Meditate on good things.
“Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 ncv)
Plan your day to include time alone with God.
May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts dear friends. (Colossians 3:15) May we all remember to take this prescription daily and relinquish control of our lives to our all-knowing, all-wise God.
Instead of asking God why did you allow this ….I’ll thank Him because He Did! #EvenSo.
That’s a good word, Mary. I’m so thankful God has knit our hearts together.
I have the book by Max Lucado; I really need to dig in the book. It has been a couple of very rough weeks.
I love the acronym of CALM. I will have to write it down to put in my cubicle at work.
I hope that the move(s) go well for you all. Hugs.
it’s a typical Lucado quick read full of practical advice, nothing deep and mystical about it. I think you will find it helpful. Love and prayers, my friend.
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