“Lean on thyself until thy strength is tried; Then ask God’s help; it will not be denied.” (Ella Wheeler Wilcox) Yes, when asked God’s help will not be denied. But why to wait until our strength is gone? Why to wait until we’re so anxious that we can’t think straight anymore? Through trial and error I’ve learned to cut the chase and go right away to God.

“I know, God, that mere mortals
   can’t run their own lives,
That men and women
   don’t have what it takes to take charge of life.
So correct us, God, as you see best.”
(Jeremiah 10:23-24, MSG)

“It is foolish to move into the future on our own when God is waiting to guide us. His plan is the best.” (Zac Poonen). I agree. This is the only way to leave the sea of ansiousness behind us. Thomas a Kempis asks: “What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?” Exactly my point. In order to get out of the sea of anxiousness into peace like a river we need to cast our sorrows, anxieties, worries, troubles to God, ask for help and receive God’s life-saving guidance.

“I am the LORD your God,
       who teaches you what is best for you,
       who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
       your peace would have been like a river,
       your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”
(Isaiah 48:17-18, NIV)

Gracious God,
Save us!
Save us from ourselves!
Save us from the sea of anxiousness!
Save us into peace like a river!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you deal with anxiety in your life?
————————————
Picture courtesy of Tiago Berezoski