Freedom From Anxiety

I have been sharing a song at my nursing home concerts lately, Don’t Worry Be Happy. It is SO ridiculous and made me laugh as I learned it! It was also good to see Robbin Williams (may he rest in peace) dance around in the music video as well.

“Ain’t got no place to lay your head,
Somebody came and took your bed,
don’t worry, be Happy!
…look at me, I’m happy!”
(link to music video)

Who of us doesn’t struggle with worry from time to time? I was reminded of some of Christ’s teaching on worry, and realized the message, “Don’t worry be happy!” is Christ’s message to all his children! Which is you if you have received Jesus Christ:

“But to all who believed him (Jesus) and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 NLT

Jesus has such great things to say that can and will alter our perspective and calm our fearful, worried hearts:

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
~ Jesus (Matthew 6:25-34 NLT <– click here if you want to read it in other translations)

Paul, by the Holy Spirit, encourages us not to be anxious for anything:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” ~ Paul (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

Again, by the Holy Spirit (the true author of Scripture) Peter writes:

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT (<–READ THE CONTEXT!)

So, if we do this, if we submit ourselves and all our cares into God’s care, we are truly rendered completely care free! We truly can be without any worry, without any fear (Because there is no fear in Love and God is Love in whom we live and have our being), without any concern for our survival because God has got that covered!

Jesus advice to us: pursue the kingdom of God with all we have! Learn to live righteously, and learn to give your every last concern to him so that his peace will gaurd your heart and mind.

MY STORY WITH ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS

I remember one time, many years ago, when I was so anxious I couldn’t sleep. It felt like demons of fear… no, fear is too soft of a word… it was more like stark terror and despair, were tormenting me, tempting me to give in and give up. A great sense of hopelessness came over me. I got up, went down stairs and plopped on the couch with a heavy heart and said, “Oh Jesus!” Heaven literally rushed into the room and I was in his comfort. It was amazing how quickly the atmosphere around me changed as I called out to Jesus.

The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”

This was at a time in my life where I struggled with anxiety a great deal and coming out of severe depression. What set me free was the light of Christ. I remember how that spark of hope first appeared and then how it grew and grew over the years until my heart is now firmly rooted in God’s glorious love.

Thank you Jesus!