Why Anxiety is Destroying You

Peaceful and Warm, Under the Blanket

When I have anxiety, I am not able to rest, to be at peace, to stay calm. When I am stressed out, perhaps it is because I have gotten out from under the covering of His wings, that blanket of protection, and strayed from the center of His will for me.

There are a ton of verses in the Bible that speak of being under His wings, or covered, protected by Him, even as a mother bird covers her young with her wings. And, kind of like staying under a warm blanket at night.

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I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, because I was so cold! Last week, I put clean sheets on the bed, and sent the bedspread down the chute to be washed, but haven’t gotten it washed yet. I underestimated  what a difference in warmth it had been making! I live in Minnesota, and we are experiencing a cold spell causing temps to dip at night to -20 degrees F.

Though I had a heavy wool quilt, hand-tied by my mother-in-law, I might add, on the bed, I was freezing. I even got up, put socks on and turned our thermostat up a couple of degrees, which I hate to do, as I have it set back at night to save energy. So, you know I was a little desperate. The covering I needed, I didn’t have.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

Psalm 91:4

Worry Never Robs Tomorrow of Its Sadness…

“Under His wings shalt thou trust.” His will is that I should not be anxious/careful for anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make my requests known unto Him, and the promise is that the peace that passes all understanding shall keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 That spiritual covering will keep me warm and safe and my heart at peace, if I stay under it. 

I don’t know about you, but I quite often say that I’m stressed.

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines being stressed out in this way:

Definition of stress out. informal.: to feel very worried or anxious or to make (someone) feel very worried or anxious.

“If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look Little or big” -Elisabeth Elliot

Being stressed, then is the same as being anxious. When I’m anxious, I’m out of the will of God, for God commands me to not be anxious, and gives me very explicit instructions on how to do that. Philippians 4:6. So, it would seem that if I’m anxious, or stressed, I am sinning.

I heard a dear friend say the other day, and it seems I hear it often these days, “I’ll have plenty of time to rest when I’m dead and gone.” Though I laughed at the time, that phrase has been nagging at me.

I have been acutely aware in the past of the word rest, in the Bible, (especially when I’ve been super tired:).  God is the One mentioned giving rest, as a blessing!

He even gives a commandment in the Old Testament that His people rest for certain numbers of days, and at very specific times. What this tells me is that the Israelites, like we today, had a hard time resting enough. God had to even command that they do it, and still people broke that commandment!

It only Robs Today of its Joy

If I’m not resting enough (and I don’t only mean sleep, but ceasing from work and anxiety), am I being a good steward of my resources? Am I taking proper care of my body?

The believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the three “homes” I talk about on this blog: Your Home for God. I will often talk about the different “homes” that we have jurisdiction over. They are your home, your body, and your life. We need to learn how to be good stewards of these homes to bring glory to God.

Right now, think of that home where the Holy Spirit lives, your body. We put a lot of emphasis on eating healthy, eating clean, working out. I rarely hear any emphasis placed, though, on guarding or protecting our bodies from the effects of being too busy. Or guarding against over-scheduling I do hear a lot of complaining about being too stressed, though!

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What Is The Meaning Of Rest In God’s Eyes

What is God’s perspective about the concept of rest in this life. It has such a large focus in the Bible, especially the Old Testament. That is because physical rest is an analogy of spiritual rest: ceasing from the work of accomplishing my own salvation. We will enter into “eternal rest.” And, God  emphasized the eternal importance of rest, when He rested from all His work after creation, not because He was exhausted, but, as an example for us to follow.

Tithing a Day of the Week

I think we could consider a parallel analogy between rest and tithing. Do we trust God enough to give Him the first day of our week, and rest, trusting that we’ll still be able to get everything done in the week? Even as we must ask, do we trust God enough to give Him a portion (tithe) of our money on the first day of our week, trusting that we won’t run out of money before the week is out?

5 Steps to Eliminate Anxiety

1. Every time we think or say, “I’m so stressed,” this month, let’s stop and examine our hearts for the sin of being anxious, and ask forgiveness. Then, give whatever’s at the heart of our anxiety to God, and believe His Word that He is in control and can take care of it.
2. Say, “No,” to some of your activities. I recommend a review of how many evenings (or days) you are away from home, and lessen that number.
3. We all need to put a higher priority on sleep, not getting by with as little as so many of us squeak by on. What about that bedtime? The things you think have to get done, after the kids are in bed, might not be so important after all. Have a regular bedtime (I’m speaking to myself on this one, as well), so we don’t stay up too late at night for one reason or another.
4. Make sure you’re staying in God’s Word. (Click on the link for ideas on creative ways to incorporate Scripture into your day.)
5. Pray, instead of becoming anxious. Cast your cares on Him, for He careth for you. When we’re anxious, we’ve gotten our eyes off Jesus. Sing a hymn, pray and tell Jesus about your troubles, ask Him for help. He is always there and He loves you so. And, He’s powerful enough to change things.

Breathe and trust God. Let some things go. Get enough sleep. Trust that the Sovereign God of the Universe, Who created you and everything in it, can take care of you.

Let’s purpose to stay under the blanket, literally and figuratively, and get the physical and spiritual rest God intends, all for His glory.

Another encouraging post that will help eliminate anxiety, speak comfort to your heart, and help you in practical ways is this one on How to Incorporate Scripture Into Your Day Easily (“When You Are A Failure At Having A Quiet Time”). And, “Are You Praying From Your Heart?” God knows. God cares. God Loves You Immensely. And God Hears Your Prayers.