Anxiety

The first picture, the girl is praying and asking God to strike down her biggest enemy. The next picture shows a lightning bolt striking her down. We are, too often, our own worst enemy! Anxiety is "repeatedly re-experiencing failure in advance". There are healthy and unhealthy fears. Healthy fears are God-given to help protect us and unhealthy fears are from Satan and can hold us in bondage. Paul told us in 2 Timothy 1: 7, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Anxiety at its worst, can be crippling, taking over our minds and pushing us down into darkness. Philippians 4: 6-9, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I often forget verses eight through nine. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Sometimes the enemy is very sneaky in our thoughts and we have a tough time figuring out who is causing our thoughts. It is a spiritual battle. 2 Corinthians 10: 4, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Scripture can help us demolish thoughts that are lies. "Our confessional theology doesn't always match our functional theology." Our best weapon against fear is the Word of God! Isaiah 26: 3, " You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 41: 10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 12: 2, "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." Psalm 118: 6, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"