How to Overcome Anxiety With God’s Help
I stand on a sand-sprinkled kitchen floor and stare down a list that’s growing longer every day. Springtime brings an expansive array of new endeavors, and if I’m not careful, my mind will spiral out of control with anxious thoughts. I’ll find myself sitting in a dark corner praying to overcome anxiety with God’s help.
Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: what are we busy about?”
I think of Thoreau’s words, and I realize I need a plan. Anxious thoughts are creeping in, and if I don’t get a grip, who knows what will happen. I’m not sure I want to find out.
Sadly, when everything on my to-do list feels urgent, anxiety threatens to take over. When I fail to identify my top priorities, everything begins to feel like the top priority. I drive myself into the dark abyss of stress as I try to accomplish every item on my list.
Overcome Anxiety With God’s Help by Assessing Your Priorities
Considering these truths, I lay my to-do list on the table and take a step back. I make a list and organize my priorities based on when each task needs to be completed.
Tasks like cleaning windows go into a category that exists only as an option if I complete the time-sensitive tasks first. I gently remind myself no one will get hurt if the streaks stay on the glass.
Staring at the list, I see there are only three tasks I actually need to complete this week. I’m suddenly relieved and almost entirely de-stressed. Unburdening the anxious thoughts opens space in my soul to breathe deeply. (Do you need space to breathe deeply, laugh deeply, and love deeply? Join me here.)
I remind myself to slow down and enjoy my moments. Life is less of an emergency than I often make it out to be.
Your Turn to Assess Your Priorities and Overcome Anxiety With God’s Help:
I hope you’re not overwhelmed by anxious thoughts. I hope your to-do list doesn’t feel overwhelming. But if you do feel overwhelmed, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
1. When you face anxious thoughts, ask yourself if you are fearful about an outcome:
Ask, Will anyone really be hurt if I don’t accomplish everything on today’s to-do list?
Do you really need to hurry to put an extra load of laundry in the washing machine before you head out the door? What would happen if you didn’t file every report, wash every dish in the sink, or stain the deck today? Would anyone be hurt? Or would it be better to put off the task and step into your next commitment with less stress?
2. Overcome anxiety with God’s help by looking long-term:
When you feel overwhelmed by all you want to accomplish, ask yourself this question: In five years, will I remember whether I accomplished this task?
Some items on your priority list need to stay. You need to eat and tend to your body and the bodies of those who rely on you. God most likely isn’t calling you to opt-out of your job, and he isn’t inviting you to forfeit your role as a caretaker for your kids. But you could probably let a few things go. Ask God to help you align your priorities with his will. He will help you.
3. Examine your motives:
Ask, What is my motive for wanting to get this figured out, finished, or under control? Is it a desire to prove something to myself or someone else?
All too often, my stressed-out scramble is about performing. Friend, God is not calling you to a life of performance; he is calling you to a life of presence.
I put presence before performance when I consistently put tasks ahead of people. There is a time to clean the house, wash the dishes, and do the work of your job. There is also a time to set the tasks aside and pour into the people God places in your path. God will help you discern the difference.
4. Overcome anxiety with God’s help by asking if you are trying to please others:
Ask, Will anyone other than me notice if I fail to accomplish this goal that’s stressing me out?
Have you spread yourself thin in an attempt to please every person in your life? Are you hurried and stressed because you’re trying to keep your 25 closest friends happy?
God calls us to serve others. He calls us to die to ourselves and live to serve. But he is not asking you to be everything for everyone. He will show you where to cut back and where to press forward. Take the time to connect with his heart on these matters right here today.
A Final Thought to Help You Overcome Anxiety:
Finally, pause to look heavenward. God is not sitting on his throne stressing out over who is going to run your child to soccer practice, how you’re going to pull off the next deadline, or where your next meal is coming from. Align yourself with the truth that God will meet you in your place of need. God will equip you to do the work he calls you to do.
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