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Attitudes, Absences, and Aspirations

Day 27: Handling Fear and Anxiety
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 John 4:13-19; 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear and anxiety can feel overwhelming, creeping into our thoughts and dictating our actions. Yet, God does not intend for us to live in a constant state of worry. His Word provides a clear path to peace, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.

When we talk about anxiety, we should address the feeling as well as its potential clinical nature. Those who suffer from clinical anxiety should seek help from a professional Christian counselor. However, all of us carry some form of anxiety or fear in our lives, so regardless of whether we have a proclivity toward anxiety due to mental health issues or not, we need to give these anxieties and fears to Jesus Christ daily.

1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." This invitation allows us to release our burdens to God, knowing He is attentive to our needs. Too often, we try to bear the weight of our worries on our own, but God urges us to surrender them to Him in faith.

In Philippians, Paul encourages us to combat anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving. Prayer acknowledges God and brings our requests to Him. Thanksgiving is an expression of our gratitude for His actions in the past, the presence of His Holy Spirit today, and the plans He has for us tomorrow. When we bring our concerns to God with a thankful heart, He replaces our anxiety with His peace that passes all understanding and will guard our hearts and minds as we abide in Christ Jesus.

Fear has a way of distorting our perception of God's love and power. His presence, which contains His perfect love, causes fear to lose grip when we fully grasp God's love for us. We can trust that His love will sustain us, guide us, and carry us through every trial.

Fear does not come from God; strength, love, and a sound mind do. Whenever fear or anxiety takes over, we can stand on this truth, reminding ourselves that God has equipped us with everything we need to walk in faith and confidence.

Those who live in fear or with anxiety need to constantly and consistently give them to God and keep Christ on the throne of their lives. Think about your daily mental preoccupations; are they filled with anxiety and fear? Are you trying to manage your fear or surrender it to Him? Pray and ask God to help you surrender these feelings to Him.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I surrender my fears and anxieties to you. Thank you for caring for me and offering me peace that surpasses understanding. Help me trust your love and power, knowing you are always in control. Fill my heart with faith and remind me that you have given me a spirit of strength, love, and a sound mind. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.