Why? Why is there so much anxiety.
It's because wherever we look there's someone planting anxiety into our minds. The News on TV and radio. The articles in magazines. The programs on TV who pretend they are mirroring real life, yet seem to impart a stream of anxiety in the name of entertainment. The many stories we read on social media. The adverts even. They make you feel small, wanting and a failure unless you have and own this or that, or have a wonderful curvy figure like the model on the screen, or whatever else they are trying to entice you to buy.
Our minds are daily being assaulted with anxiety. No wonder many people worry about this and that and the other thing. Their well-being, their health, their loved ones, their finances and everything else there's to worry about.
Don't misunderstand me. I am not making light of anxiety. There are times in life when we all experience bad times and naturally we are fearful. It is a human emotion, and God knows too well about it, because He created us.
I am talking about unnecessary anxiety.
Let's look at it another way. If you want to lose weight one of the things you do is check WHAT you are eating and HOW MUCH. You keep a list of your input and discuss it with your health expert, doctor, dietician or whatever and decide which things you should have less off.
It's the same with anxiety. Why not keep a list of what has triggered your unhappiness. Your anxiety. Was it that news report? Something you read on social media? What was the input that perhaps you can cut out of your mental diet?
Years ago I was discussing the world's problems with a friend. And he said, you don't have to live in this world. Live in your own world as much as you can. When you read in the news of a world problem somewhere far away; consider ... how does it affect you personally right now? Very often, it doesn't. Can you really do something about it anyway or is it out of your hands? I guess he had a point.
We let anxiety take hold of us and cripple us if we let it enjoy room space in our mind. Our mind is our own. We should not let unwanted thoughts to make themselves comfortable therein.
When Jesus met people He said "Peace be with you". He did not say how's life with you? How you're doing? How's the business doing? He offered His peace freely to one and all.
I remember worrying about something recently. I was anxious and worrying for nothing. Out of the blue God solved it for me. Totally unexpected. I cannot give you details for privacy reasons. God took care of the situation in a way I could not have imagined.
When Jesus taught us about God He called Him "Our Father". He did not say, "Our Master" or "Our Leader ... Our boss ... Our King ..."
Like any loving and caring Father, God knows about our needs, our fears, our worries and anxieties. He takes care of them well before we even ask Him. He also takes care of them before they even become anxieties and worries.
All we need do is trust Him; like a child trusts His parents.
Sorry to preach so long. God bless.
...anxiety is a nonproductive activity.
ReplyDeleteYes ... sometimes.
DeleteGod bless.
As in every sermon, conversation and in blog entry I look for that gem. My dad taught me that. He would say, "I want to say something that will be remembered at least a week." Today the Gem here is: "Peace be with you". He did not say how's life with you? How you're doing? ...... I like your insight. That is a thinker!!!
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack THANKS
Jack, you are always very kind to me. I am most grateful.
DeleteGod bless you and Sherry.
Great idea about keeping a list, much the same as I do my food input/blood pressure each day in an Excel spreadsheet. Lots of my anxiety is (I think) what they call 'free-floating.' Sure, in my younger years I used to get frightened once in a while -- say, if I had to fly somewhere. But now, I've turned into my mother -- fretting and 'what-iffing' over every little thing.
ReplyDeleteI like what someone in Bible study said a while back: "Faith is fear that's put its shoes on."
We are all constantly attacked by bad thoughts and influences, Mevely. Whether it's the news, social media or whatever. No wonder we worry and fret. We all need to trust God more. Me included; when my worries come to mind.
DeleteGod bless always my friend.
You are correct. There are some things we need to be concerned about, the things G-d has put in front of us to do and given us the strength to deal with. The rest is in His hands, and we need to leave it there.
ReplyDeleteWe need to trust God more and leave things in His hands, Mimi. Well said.
DeleteGod bless you.
"Be anxious for nothing . . ." Your advice here, Victor, is spot on. There are so many needless things out there that stir our sense of fear and anxiety when we forget to trust in God first, knowing His peace will greet us and comfort us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
So well said, Martha. We so need to trust God more to protect and comfort us. He is our loving Father. He will not let us down.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
I learned a long time ago to count my blessings when anxiety strikes. Sometimes it works better than others. One really can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so concentrate on the good things and let God guide. Thank you for this timely reminder. So many things are forced upon us by so many sources it is often impossible to ignore them. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThat's good advice, Nells. Often, we need to stop and reflect to on our blessings, and how things could be worse but are not because of the love and protection of God, our Father.
DeleteGod bless you always.
Good advice but I really don't worry much. I just give it over to God to worry about - after all He's up nights anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so fortunate, Happyone, that you do not worry much.
DeleteGod bless you.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteThere indeed is a LOT of needless anxiety and depression and, and, and...!
True, the MEDIA in all its forms, even from within the educational system, they want to influence people's minds, their way of thinking and behavior.
We have to cling even more closely to prayer and to God as we need NONE of that; period.
As soon as we can step back from it, look at it as a whole and less with a magnifier, we will see the clear picture and we must stick to that. Let them talk and show images and demand this and that. Adhering to true values together with lots of prayer will see us through.
Excellent post and so much needed nowadays!
Hugs,
Mariette
You put it so well, Mariette. We are being influenced in our thinking and behaviour. It's like constant brainwashing. You can see it in the adverts on TV and radio and in their slogans. And sadly, people are distancing themselves from God.
DeleteOn our TV often you get comments/jokes from comedians and others that imply if you believe in God then there is something wrong with you. Their message is that God does not exist. And they DO influence vulnerable minds.
God bless you my friend.
👁 Till one day they all confront their final JUDGE!
DeleteThere certainly seems to be far more stress and anxiety in the world than there used to be. Of course this can be caused by different things ...
ReplyDeleteI think exercise can be a great way to ease stress levels, but of course if things get too bad, for instance the anxiety is interfering with your daily tasks or if you are experiencing panic attacks it would be advisable to see a Doctor.
Enjoy this last day of July and my good wishes for the new month of August.
All the best Jan
Good point, Jan. Yes, in some cases anxiety and panic attacks are a medical condition which needs to be treated by professionals.
DeleteBest wishes. God bless.
Anxiety is not part of my life. I agree with your friend who said live in your own world as much as you can. I've done that always.
ReplyDeleteAs best as we can, we could try not to get influenced by negativity.
DeleteGod bless you, River.