An Anxiety Antidote
It appears Americans have accepted anxiety as average.
Younger generations freely share their conditions and medications.
After all, doesn’t everyone have anxiety?
Everyone indeed faces profound worries and challenges in life. Every trial is indeed an experience that stretches the physical and spiritual person.
However, it is not true that everyone experiences a condition requiring (or even primarily addressed by) medication.
Many factors play into anxiety which means many issues need to be addressed.
In the case of a sickness, a doctor might tell you, “Watch your diet, lower your sugar intake, begin an exercise routine, and take some vitamin C.”
Let me encourage you to take some vitamin P– Ponder the works of the Lord.
Psalm 111 describes the delight of those who ponder the works of the Lord.
2 Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Psalm 111:2
The Lord has revealed so many incredible works in the Scripture. The Lord has shown Himself faithful in your life– are you taking time to reflect on His works?
Planning time to ponder will produce praise.
This is an important part of your prayer life. Meditate on what God has done for His people.
Pondering is not as complex as it might sound. Just put yourself in the shoes of the people in the Bible and reflect on how God showed up for them!
The Psalmist ponders God’s provision in 111:5
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111:5
Imagine being in the desert with your kids. The only things you have were carried as you escaped slavery.
It is not clear where the next meal is coming from. It isn’t even clear where the next drink is coming from. There’s no way you’re going to have meat for the foreseeable future.
Even if you did stumble upon a waterhole or an animal to kill– you’re out here in the desert with 600,000 other broke and starving slave families!
Have you been in a spot this tough recently?
Imagine the wonder and joy of waking up to manna!
Isn’t it incredible to remember that God provided for thousands upon thousands of fathers who didn’t know how they were going to feed their children?
He stepped in for mothers amid their most anxious moments.
Ponder their praise and join them in it! Gain perspective in your praise!
When you consider the situations of those who have gone before and remember how God has been faithful, your praise will impact your current fears, worries, and trials.
Can I invite you to ponder the works of the Lord for praise before you cast all your anxieties on Him?