Worry/Anxiety is defined as a state of feeling of being troubled about actual or potential problems. Worrying, like other emotional feelings, has the good and the bad side. It is good when our worries are short and is soon over. Worry prods one to use problem solving skills to address one's concerns. However, when worry persists longer, it overwhelms and leads to anxiety which is a negative emotional feeling. Anxiety solves no problems but aggravates it.

Anxiety makes one not to be composed, it causes tension and nervousness, it causes sleeplessness and agitation, it makes one to pace up and down. It causes trauma and agony. Anxiety makes the heart discouraged, cranky, irritated and edgy. It makes one lose heart, become hopeless, helpless, downcast, fret, unrest, agitated. It makes one lose focus. It steals peace from the heart and replaces it with unrest. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).

Scientifically, there is research that shows worry can weaken our immune systems, cause depression, heart disease, muscle tension, memory loss, respiratory disorders and digestive conditions.

However, anxiety does more than that, it also affects us spiritually in that it makes our trust in God to wane. Anxiety is allowing problems and distress to come between us and the heart of God. It is the view that God has somehow lost control of the situation and we cannot trust him. A legitimate concern presses us closer to the heart of God and causes us to learn and trust in Him all the more.

God does not want any of those that have embraced His gracious salvation through faith in His only begotten son Jesus Christ to suffer from the effects of worry and anxiety on the heart. For this reason our Lord Jesus Christ warned us against it in Matthew 6:25-32. When we worry it shows a lack of faith in God’s fatherly care and love (Eze. 34:12; 1 Pet 5:7).

Apostle Paul told us what to do with our concerns for solutions for our troubles. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understandings, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Phil. 4:6-7.

One sure way of achieving a worry and anxiety-free life as believers is being of grateful disposition and giving of thanks to God at all times through the help of the Holy Spirit by obeying the charges on thanksgiving. 1 Chronicles 16: 8, 34; Psalm 50: 14; 100:4; 118:1; 147:7; Colossians 3:15-17; Colossians 2: 6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18;; 2 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:4.

By thanking God for all things and in all things, one is actually acknowledging and declaring one’s trust in the Sovereignty and power of God over all one’s life affairs and problems.

Thanksgiving brings confidence into our spirit and a deep unshaken faith. Gratitude in the face of life storms keep the heart at rest, peace, joyful, healthy, hopeful and strong. As you thank God for all he has given, what he has done in the past, your faith increases. And one receives answers to one's desires.

If you're worried about things and problems over the years and have not solved those problems, why not stop worrying and start thanking God for them. Relax, Stop worrying. Give God thanks, He is in control!

CAST YOUR CARE UPON THE LORD FOR HE CARES FOR YOU. 1 Pt 5:7

To be continued…

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

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