Finding Inner Peace by Amy F.

  People tend to worry about everything - even the tiniest, day-to-day things seem to spark some anxiety. Maybe it is about a relationship, finances, or your health. Maybe you’re just having a really bad hair day, and you are internally distraught about other’s opinions of your appearance that day. 

  I have a lifelong history of this - even as a young child, the things I was anxious about appeared in the form of nightmares. Now, as an adult, I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (meaning I am prone to having anxiety attacks). When these attacks arise, I have learned to simply pray, “Jesus, help me!”, and, in a further step, I audibly rebuke the spirit of anxiety from my life, my family, and my home, telling it that it has no authority over me and it must leave in the name of Jesus.

  But what does God’s Word say about anxiety? In Philippians 4:6-7, the Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What does this mean? I believe it means that when there is something that brings us worry, talk to God about it, no matter how big or small the situation. Ask Him for help. Ask Him for peace about the situation. In doing this, He will give you His peace, which is way beyond our understanding. It seemingly comes in the blink of an eye, and you can start to relax a little because the situation is now in very capable hands - God’s hands. 

  Another Scripture that comes to my mind is Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This means that you can rest in knowing that God’s purpose for your life is exactly as He planned it! He has good plans for your life - even if it seems like all you see is trouble and despair. He is using those circumstances to draw you nearer to Himself, to depend on Him for your refuge in the time of life’s storms, to depend on Him for physical and spiritual provision, and to use those circumstances for His glory.

Some additional verses have brought me peace during the times when I have been overcome with anxiety:

• “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
• “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)
• “As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s Word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)
• “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)
• “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24)
• “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
• “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
• “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

                                                                                  Dear Lord,

Teach me not to worry, but to depend on You and trust in You completely. Give me Your peace, which passes all understanding, for You are the Prince of Peace. I thank You for the plans You have made for my life, and for Your provision and protection. Thank You for being my Heavenly Father, and for loving me.

                                                                         In Jesus' name. Amen.