Anxiety = Living on the Run

Living with anxiety feels a lot like living on the run—except you’re running away from your own life.

The things adulthood teaches us!

Anyway, while you run from your life panic settles in your chest as you try desperately to escape to a safe place that seems just out of reach. Worries swirl around in your head at a speed that makes it hard to breathe, and fear wells up, causing indecision and self-doubt.

Sound familiar?

I share these mental health experiences to encourage you that you are not. At least we are two, me and you, so don’t be afraid; hold my hand.

Do you suffer from constant pressure never to shut off your life—emails never stop, notifications pile up on your phone, and the comparison trap that social media serves for free.

So, how do we live with that? Now, imagine who is called not to live anxiously for anything by a friend, brother, and leader Jesus – how do I live like that?

Here is the highlight, too often we feel weighed down by guilt because we think Christians aren’t supposed to feel this way. That feeling of being weighed down adds to the anxiousness and the cycle continues.

But what if we can stop running from something and start running to someone? Imagine.

And we can. You can. The promise that we can live anxious for nothing isn’t based on what we can produce but on the presence of God. This is seen in Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

This means on our own, we are hopeless in the fight against anxiety.

But with God? We have access to His presence, which offers peace we can’t even begin to understand.

What’s even better about that promise? It’s a continual process. In every situation. Every time we start feeling anxious, we can go to God for His peace because peace is a by-product of God’s presence.

Anxiety will not often disappear instantly. It’s a moment-by-moment, continual process of seeking His presence always.

Keep with God!