Antidotes for worry and anxiety

Antidotes for worry and anxiety

Matthew 6:25-34.

Worry and anxiety is a misnomer. It is an “internal disquieting, distracting and distrustful care about the things of life”- Matthew H. commentary. It is a gross deviation from the divine nature and order in the kingdom life. When we become born again, we are born into a life reminiscent of that which was at the beginning of creation where God provided all things for the benefit of mankind. Therefore, worrying is a futile repetitive attempt to shoulder God’s responsibilities for our lives- Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Here are three prime antidotes for worry and anxiety:

1. Gratefulness- Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Hope and faith arise in our hearts when we bring to remembrance the past compassion, blessings, and miracles of God.
2. Casting all to God in prayer: 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Our self-help attitude and the human attempt to assuage our worries become traps that the devil exploits to pile on more misery and pain. Therefore, we must desist from them and put our total reliance and hope in God through prayers and devotion to God.
3. Seeking God’s kingdom: Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. This transactional promise of God affirms that when we are preoccupied with the development and progress of God’s kingdom on earth, chiefly winning souls to Christ, He supplies all our needs.

There are “legitimate” reasons to be anxious considering all the awful social and economic realities of our world today. But the scriptures assure us of a refuge we can always run to for reprieve. Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Meditation

1	What a Friend we have in Jesus,   All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry   Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,   O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry   Everything to God in prayer!
2	Have we trials and temptations?   Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged,   Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful   Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness,   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3	Are we weak and heavy-laden,   Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge—   Take it to the Lord in prayer; Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?   Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,   Thou wilt find a solace there.