One of the greatest liars

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

For the moment let's talk about anxiety. Anxiety itself is not a diagnosis according to the DSM-5 (the manual that is used to diagnosis specific mental health concerns). However, it is part of several diagnoses that are classified in the DSM-5, a few that may sound familiar are: separation anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Anxiety and fear overlap greatly when looking at them side by side. Fear is the emotional response to a perceived or real threat or harm; it is often met with the body's natural "fight or flight" phenomenon. Anxiety is the perception of any future threat. That is, the threat has not yet happened, and there may be a chance that it does not happen. BUT the anxiety is still very much present and occurring in the moment. Fear is often a response to something that is happening in the moment, and requires an escape plan. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a tension and vigilance to prepare for and prevent future danger.

There is a level of anxiety that is healthy, the healthy anticipation of something that you are looking forward to, a job interview, a date, a move, a new school, etc. However, anxiety moves from being a healthy emotion to the greatest liar, is when anxiety begins to prevent you from attending those events that were once anticipated with a positive perspective. The anxiety becomes such that it prevents you from participating in life, the way that you want to.

Anxiety is the master of "What if?" It has at times very little foundation of truth. What may have occurred once, is now perceived to be the future outcome of everything. This becomes the generalized perception. The fears that you had, become played out in the anxiety cycle of the mind that lead down this spiral of anticipating the outcome, and at times anticipating the worse case scenario. At times, there is very little that can challenge these anxious moments. It may require going through the anxiety, despite how difficult it is, to reach the point of truth. It may require reality checking, reassurance. It may require complete avoidance of the perceived threat.

Anxiety is at the root, a perception. A viewpoint of the future. It is pieced together based on previous experiences, current expectations, future hopes and anticipations. Anxiety, is something that probably everyone has experienced at some point in their life. If you experience it on a higher level, you may be faced with the perceptions lying to you about things that you know. The ability to "let it go," "be patient," "let's see what happens," is met with more and more anxiety and fear of the future. More "what if's" begin to play out in your mind. At times with each reassurance, another what if is created. It can become a torturous cycle.

Anyone who experiences anxiety would most likely be the first to seek peace. Peace of mind. Proverbs 3:5-6 states: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and he will make your paths straight." The pathway to peace, is Him. He is peace. When experiencing anxiety, finding out what the anxiety is exactly. It may not be the fear that is actually the focus of your anxiety. Is there a common theme? Is there a common trigger? Be open to digging deeper than that surface level of awareness.

From a spiritual standpoint, anxiety is the lie that you may think about yourself, about your future, about your circumstances, your value, your worth, or your purpose. These lies are brought on to create a separation between you and God. The antidote, is to turn to God. To accept that the anxiety occurring, is real. These perceptions are real, whether truthful or not. These fears are real, whether truthful or not. But finding the truth, happens in finding Him.

Spoiler Alert: There will be another day, another moment, another perception. Being prepared is a great way to manage anxiety, and to recognize that there is so much in life out of your control. In those moments turning to Him and asking Him for truth can ease the anxious moment tremendously. It takes the control out of your perception, and gives the control back to Him. In moments of anxiety, whether huge or small, repeat this: "Your will Lord, not mine."

Scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me

Reflection:

What are your anxieties?

How can God ease your anxieties?

What would your anxieties look like if you "cast" them on Him?

Prayer:

Lord, Heavenly Father. I come before You with my whole heart. My heart that has been anxious and my heart that has found peace in You. Lord, I ask that as I go about my day, I go about my week, and I go about my journey that I may place all my fears, my worries, my anticipations, my anxieties in Your hands Lord. When I seek You, I find peace. I am restored in Your love for me, and in Your care for me. No matter how many times my heart is anxious, You bring me peace. No matter how many times I try to take control, I am reminded that You Lord are in control. Lord Your will, not mine. In Your sons name, Amen.