Recently, I came across a TV broadcast of one of the foremost female ministers in our generation. She’s quite aged. I told the folks around me that I had enjoyed receiving her magazines “Enjoying everyday Life” sent to me monthly about 20 years ago. Those magazines helped me to navigate that season of my life. It taught me to overcome anxiety.
Friend, anxiety is an enemy of peace and an assassin of faith. This is why the Bible commanded us to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6-7). It means nothing is worth your being anxious. Anxiety is trying to fix an outcome that is beyond your control. It is emptying today of its joy by attempting to determine tomorrow’s outcome (Matthew 6:34). God wants you to enjoy your everyday life.
Enjoying your everyday life is a decision. It has nothing to do with your condition (Psalm 118:24). When you decide to enjoy your everyday life, it may not always change your circumstances. But it would help you to control your response to your circumstances (Lamentations 3:22-23). When David decided to rejoice and be glad, he knew that every day was God’s day.
Every day is God’s day. But the day you permit anxiety, you have willed that day to the devil. The devil functions best in an atmosphere of anxiety and other negative emotions (James 3:16). You must deny the devil opportunity to have a field day in your life. You must keep him at bay by providing an atmosphere where only positive energy is permitted (Philippians 4:4).
There are people who bring worries and anxieties into your life (1 Corinthians 15:33). There are activities, words, videos, etc. that bring anxiety. Do your best to avoid such. Anyone who brings negative emotions and energies around you should be avoided. It is your responsibility to decide what stays in and around your life. Protect your personal space and peace (Proverbs 4:23).
One way to overcome anxiety is to pray. Prayer is the antiode to anxiety (Philippians 4:6, James 5:13). Unfortunately, some people still pray with anxiety rather than using prayer to get rid of it. Anytime you feel anxious or overwhelmed, turn to God in prayer. Empty your worries, fears, and doubts at His presence. Hand over everything to Him. Enjoy His peace (Psalm 46:1-11). Nothing is beyond His power and control.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria