The Cure for Anxiety

Human Nature
At some point in your life, you’ve worried about something before. Whether it’s been about a test, a friend or family member, a job, or even the weather, it’s human to worry about things. The reason we worry is because the outcome of a situation is unknown, or we aren't in control.

It’s easier said than done, but Jesus tells us to simply not worry about anything. In Matthew 6, Jesus gave his most famous sermon ever: The Sermon on the Mount.

It’s pretty self-explanatory, but this sermon took place up on a mountain in front of a large crowd of people. In Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body not more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

What Jesus Meant
In this passage, Jesus asked the crowd a simple question: Can any of us add a single hour to our lives by worrying?

In a short answer, no. Thinking about and planning things in your life is one thing, but worrying about them won't solve anything, and won't do you any good. Because we are human, we can’t control everything, we don’t know everything, and not everything will go according to plan. So, what do we do?

The Cure
Later in the passage, Jesus says this: “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon (one of the wealthiest kings in the Bible) in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you– you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:29-30)

This passage tells us that God can do so much if we put our trust in Him. Think about it: God still places beautiful, intricately created wildflowers onto grass, just to get thrown into a furnace the next day. If we pay attention to what Jesus says, that we are worth much more than the grass, how much more do you think God can do with you? By just having faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:10), God can use you to do big things.

All it takes is trust. Let go, and let God.

At the end of His sermon, Jesus says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

He tells us we don't need to worry about what tomorrow holds, because He holds tomorrow. He will give us the strength and courage we need for each day. Don't spend you days trying to muster up enough strength to get through it on your own. Instead, ask God to do the heavy lifting, and believe He will carry you through it. Trust that He will give you everything you need.

Pray
God knows our worries. He just asks that we give them to Him and leave them there. Don’t continue dwelling on the things that make you anxious after praying about them. It takes practice, but remember that changing your mindset is a necessary and beneficial step to learning how to trust in the Lord.

If you don’t know how to start, try this simple prayer:

Lord, thank you that I have another day.
Lord, my worries are heavy. I am so anxious.
Please calm my mind and allow me to enjoy my day without worrying about it.
Guide my thoughts to You and help me to stay focused on today and trust you with my worries.
Give me the strength I need for today.
Bring my busy mind to peace and let my eyes be on you.
In your name I pray, Amen.