“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
(Disclaimer: some people have an underlying medical condition or PTSD where anxiety can originate. I am not speaking to those conditions.)
Anxiety----A Check Engine Light of Life!
I've learned over the years in "dealing" with anxiety to see it as a "Check Engine" light on my dashboard. Anytime I sense a wave of anxiety of UKO (Unknown Origin), I stop and ask;
"What is this about?".
There can be many categories that it falls into, just like the engine in my car. It can be relational, situational, or vocational; like in my car, it could be the oil, coolant, or battery. But, to discover the origin, I ask my manufacturer;
"What is going on?".
How easy it can be to start replacing parts! Try this or replace that, not getting to the cause of the problem, just treating the symptoms.
What does this look like in life? It may be talking with someone else when God draws me to speak with Him. It may be seeking other solutions such as wine, whiskey, or women. It may be continuing to drive and drive and ignore the idiot light.
None of those are solutions, eventually leading to a total breakdown and inability to get to where God wants to take me.
I usually find the underlying cause of my anxiety, "idiot light," coming on is rooted in fear. The fear that whatever is going on will not turn out like 'I' {emphasis on the 'I'} want or think I need.
I have given up trying to "fix" this problem at this point in my life.
I am mechanically declined; I am just as inept in fixing myself. I realize I can't fix myself; what I can do is trust the One who gives me life.
Only God knows best because He knows all.
I finally understood when I read in His manual, "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 minds in Christ Jesus."
To fully experience this peace that passes understanding, I had to give up my right to understand…
So, the bottom line of the "fix" is to entrust all of me to Him. Because if I could fix myself, I wouldn't need Him.
How have you experienced overcoming those things in your life that are not under your control?
What area or areas of your life is God asking permission to heal? (See John 5:6)
Lord, may we trust your love and the baptism of assurance that You submerse us in. May the check engine lights do what You desire us to do, lead us into Your arms. Amen