Even if you don’t look anything like the woman in the photo, have you ever felt like that’s exactly how you look on the inside—when frustration or anxiety takes over?
That’s our subject for today’s discussion. Honestly, who of us hasn’t felt like this? Sadly, it’s part of the human condition in this broken world. But must it be?
First, an important caveat: this message isn’t primarily for those who carry deep wounds from past trauma or abuse, or for those living with overwhelming emotions day by day.
My heart breaks for those brave souls who battle these debilitating assaults on a daily basis. This post is not intended to solve those deep-seated challenges, although you may still find some nuggets that apply to your lives.
Today I’d like to talk about the anxiety that comes from more “in-the-moment” situations. Typically, not life-altering, although they may feel like it at the time. Some examples:
- A big test at school
- An important presentation for work
- A difficult conversation you must have with a child, parent, friend, co-worker
- A health scare
- Marital trials
- Financial challenges
- Broken relationships
I could list pages of examples, but hopefully you get a sense of the magnitude of anxiety that we’re looking at today.
I’ve got one that looms quite large in my life right now. I’m working on a fundraiser for the non-profit organization that I chair, associated with my church.
There are a zillion details associated with this planning process and, even though I have a “FEMA Director” brain, I’m completely overwhelmed with the magnitude of this undertaking.
And what usually goes hand in hand with unending tasks? Unending ways things can go wrong!
Like a motor running in the background, the pressure of planning this event is with me nearly constantly. I go to sleep thinking about it, I wake up thinking about it, I spend most of my days working on it, and the bulk of my mental capacity is taken up by it.
Will it be worth it in the end? 100%
This isn’t the first large project I’ve organized. They’ve been sprinkled generously throughout my life, especially during my working days.
But for some reason, there are a couple of powerful insights I’m gaining through this particular project, in greater depth than I’ve previously experienced.
First of all, I’m recognizing more often and with greater clarity that I’m under spiritual attack. I know that may sound a little “out there,” but scripture clearly warns us about this, especially when we are involved in something for God’s kingdom.
As it tells us in 1 Peter 5:8–9, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith…”
That doesn’t sound very pleasant, does it!? And yet, that’s the kind of warfare that goes on when Satan wants to destroy our witness.
This fundraiser is doing God’s work in myriad ways, and I shouldn’t be surprised when obstacles arise consistently, or my mind dwells on all the ways this can go wrong!
But, my friends, remember this – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).”
Secondly, how many times must I be reminded that I’m not in charge of the world? Or this fundraiser? Or really, any situation that causes me anxiety? Or … anything!
I know in my heart of hearts that God is behind this initiative. Not only that, but it’s his initiative. He knows what he wants to accomplish through this fundraiser. He knows every single detail of how this will play out. He knows the obstacles and setbacks and frustrations that we’ll experience along the way. He knows exactly how he will use those difficulties to grow the faith of everyone involved with this.
In short, he knows the end from the beginning, just like he knows everything from eternity past to eternity future.
In the simplest of terms, when I am anxious over this project, or other similar circumstances, it ultimately means I’m not fully trusting God.
To answer our title question, my anxiety comes from the fear that I, personally, am not able to make this event happen to the degree of success I’m hoping for.
To admit that I’m not fully trusting God, is such a reality gut punch to me. God’s sovereignty is my favorite characteristic. My last book title was even, God, I hate this…but I trust you.” And I still believe that’s becoming more and more true as God does his work in my life.
But it’s clear that I haven’t nailed it 100%. And none of us are likely to reach that goal during this lifetime.
So, what do we do with that scenario? Do we just give up on everything? Do we simply settle for what we think we are capable of accomplishing, leaving God out of it? Of course not. The Bible is big on perseverance through trials.
Here’s what I’m working on:
- Asking God consistently to protect me from the attacks of the Enemy. And asking others to pray this for me as well.
- Calling on the Holy Spirit to help me recognize those attacking arrows that will inevitably still hit their target occasionally. Remember the song I said was one of my new favorites a few weeks back? I consistently sing it to myself! Here’s the reminder – “Devil, Get Behind Me!”
- Praying that when those anxious feelings rise to the surface, I can recognize them for what they are. Moments when my faith and trust in God have taken a back seat to my own sense of capability. And then putting the proper perspective over it all. Again, this is God’s fundraiser.
- Being grateful each time even a tiny detail falls into place. Sharing the good stuff with those around me – particularly those who have listened to my frustrations and fears!
- Seeking peace throughout the process, knowing it’s all in the hands of my powerful, almighty God. SO much better than being in my hands!
I hope this has been helpful for you as you deal with your own particular circumstances that cause you anxious moments, days or more. Remember, Satan is a defeated foe. And we serve a mighty God!
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Romans 16:20
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