When Waiting Makes You Anxious

I’m just going to be honest, I have a natural bend towards worry and being anxious…do you too?

If so, I can assume that in all this waiting, you are becoming anxious. I know I do!

© Johann Helgason | Dreamstime.com

Let’s see what this could look like in our life (source):

full of mental distress

uneasiness because of fear

greatly worried

concerned

Do any of these descriptions hit home with you? If you’ve been waiting for very long, I think I can assume that a few of these may describe you at times…or am I the only one who gets like this?

I have to constantly keep my attitude and feelings in check in light of scripture. Here is a verse that I have memorized in especially difficult seasons,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

I already reminded us yesterday that God hears us. So, let’s take the wisdom in this verse and hand things over to God in prayer.

When we do, we will be guarded by the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. Ahhh…That just makes me want to take a deep breath.

Here’s a practical tip that may help you. Sometimes, when something is especially bothering me and creating an anxious spirit in my heart, I will write it down on a small piece of paper. I will hold the paper in my hands, looking at it, and pray for five or ten minutes over the issue. Then I will rip up the paper and throw it in the trash. If I’m having a hard time letting go and handing something over to God, this helps me close it in my mind. If the issue comes to mind again, I will pray again for a moment and then ask God to guard my heart and give me peace trusting in Him for the result of the circumstance.

This trusting and walking in faith in the midst of waiting, it’s hard. However, I love that my God cares about me, right here in the waiting, and wants me to share my concerns with Him. Then, when I do, He gives me peace and guards my heart and mind.

That’s beautiful. That’s love. That’s our God.

Question for You:

What do you need to give over to God in prayer? Can I join in praying for you today?

This post is part of my 31 Days of Waiting series. Read all the posts in the series here.