How To Deal With Anxiety

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 

Fear the Lord, you holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” Psalm 34:7-9

“You have issues!” I laughed as I picked up my dog and comforted him. 

“Is he okay?” The repairman asked. 

“Yes, he’s stressed. Afraid you might hurt him, I guess.”

My terrier-beagle mix, Winston, is a sweet dog but often scared when introduced to unfamiliar people. 

Normally calm and confident, Winston’s demeanor is overcome by cowardly yelps that pierce your eardrums when a stranger arrives. It is not a protective bark to defend his territory but rather a high-pitched cry of desperate fear that consumes him. To me, it’s both embarrassing and sad to see him so shaken and in need of reassurance. But as soon as I give him reassurance, he calms. 

How often do I respond likewise amid anxiety? I may desire to respond in quiet faith that God has me in His hands, but I react in fear. I scream for help in my head and heart. What is it that causes me not to trust in my Master’s protection?  Is it unbelief? A lack of confidence in His ability to protect?

When I read accounts in the Bible of how the Lord’s children were cared for, I’m reminded of His greatness. Stories about Noah, Joseph, David, Paul, and others proclaim God’s mighty power to save. Even incidents from my own life are testimonies of His ability to protect and deliver. Time and again, I’ve experienced the Lord’s covering. I’ve felt my Heavenly Father scoop me up and comfort me many times. 

The longer I serve Him, the more I realize His great love for me. Panic is unnecessary the more I believe God is in control—nothing can harm me.

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who 

are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.” Psalm 17:8-9 

How do you deal with stress? Share below.