"Be anxious for nothing..."

Fear.

I've struggled with it. So many of us have.

To be fearful is to be afraid of something as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening. Google defines it as "an unpleasant emotion". And what goes hand in hand with fear? Anxiety. "A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome".

Oh, boy. I'm very familiar with that feeling. In fact, I came very close to having panic attacks in which I would start to hyperventilate whenever I thought about something that I was fearful about. I cried many tears at my inability to deal with certain situations. I have lain in bed, crying and praying for strength.

For a few years, Philippians 4:6-7 became my motto.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Whenever I began to feel overwhelmed, I would pick up my Bible and turn to this passage. It's probably my most read scripture, to be honest.

Paul admonishes the believer to pray, and ask God humbly, earnestly, for help. To give thanks as you pray -- believing that God is already taking care of your need. When we are able to release our cares and worries, and trust that God is in control, that is when the peace of God will fill our hearts.

We humans, we're forgetful. Many times I have read this scripture, and fallen to my knees in prayer, asking God to fill me with peace. Many times I've risen, feeling soothed and more at peace -- but then I'd allow my anxiety to return. Again and again.

The Bible says to cast our cares on The Lord - for He cares for us. Cast. To cast is to throw something - to let go.  The Bible says let go of our cares and burdens.

It doesn't say set your burden down for a little while and then pick it up again. 

Surrendering is hard. Let it be a daily struggle. Don't accept that anxiety is just a part of who you are as a person. Keep praying and making supplications to God. Keep at it. No matter how long it takes to be freed from the chains of fear, there's a promise that those chains will be broken.

...