I’ve missed many opportunities in my life, because of a lack of action in the moment. My head runs through questions like, What will I do? Will it be good enough? Am I going to look like a fool? Will it hurt my reputation? Will I have to talk to someone new or someone I used to know?
Anxiety usually has a decent grip on my life. The deciding factor of breaking out of its grip is often remembering God is by my side. This sounds easier than it is. I’m a pretty stubborn guy and like to try to handle things myself but often still get trapped by anxiety. One verse that helps me break this cycle is 1 Peter 5:6-7. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, Humble yourselves, therefore unto God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Another verse that brings me down to Earth, reminds me to seek God, and lifts my spirits is Ephesians 2:8-10. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Grace has done the work of saving me. It was not done by my hands or efforts. God cares for us and provides for us. He is willing to carry our burdens. Not only that but there is reassurance that there are tasks set for us to do, and God knows our strengths and weaknesses better than anyone. These tasks likely require us to hold onto God along the way, but I don’t believe God would set us up for failure. Remembering this helps me turn towards God and step forward more boldly than I could do on my own. Every single time has been worth it.
If you're struggling with anxiety please look to God. Don’t worry about doing it right or if you might mess it up. It can be a simple conversation asking for help, God’s power isn’t limited by our fear and can make all the difference.