Anxiety is a Trap

It was pouring rain and dark when my husband called me on his way home from work. During our conversation, I would hear him hitting patches of water on the freeway. Then he would respond with words I won’t post. I pulled up google maps to see how his commute would be. It read a half hour longer than usual. With each puddle, I became more nervous. Then I became anxious, and fearful, and was not dealing with the stress of worrying he’d end up in an accident. Finally, when he got home, I was thankful but exhausted from all the anxiety. Then five minutes later, my adult son emerges from his room and heads to the front door. He wanted to get fast food in the torrential rain. I tried to bribe him with everything in our refrigerator. But he didn’t take any of my offers and went out the front door. Thankfully, he came home safely, but wow, my faith was being stretched that night.

It’s impossible to be in control of everything. I felt like anxiety had sprung a trap on me, and I was stuck in my fearful imagination of my husband being in a bad car accident. I thought the only release would be when everyone was back home safely. But the next week, it rained again, and my husband was on his way home, hitting puddles again. It hasn’t rained like this in California for years, so we need to get used to this element. So I told myself I would not worry and get all worked up like I did last time because I was going to trust God was with my husband.

Thankfully, prayer and trusting God with what we have no control over is how we can make it through our days with peace.

The Bible talks about anxiety as a trap. With life’s uncertainty, it’s hard not to be anxious. Let’s read what Jesus says.

Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will never pass away.
“Be careful,
or your hearts will be weighed down
with carousing, drunkenness
and the anxieties of life,
and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.
For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
Be always on the watch,
and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen,
and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36 NIV

Of course, there are anxieties of life, and now more than ever. Jesus warned us this would happen in the end times. He said:

 “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:10-11 NIV

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Release me from my anxiety. I want to trust you, but I feel trapped. Please take these overwhelming feelings and fearful thoughts from me. Help me renew my mind by reading scripture and building my faith. Thank you for your love and care for me. In Jesus Name

Jesus encourages us to Stand firm, and you will win life. Luke 21:18 NIV

How do we Stand Firm when all these fearful events are happening? 

First, believe in God and trust. 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler. (a trapper)

And from the perilous pestilence.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day.

Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. Psalm 91 NKJ

Second, be on the watch.

Jesus told us to be careful and always be on the watch, or our hearts will be weighed down with anxiety. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand about how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom. Luke 21:14&15 NIV

Can we do that? Do you think we can make up our minds not to worry beforehand? Let’s avoid the anxiety trap by putting our faith in Jesus, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Read the Bible more and watch your faith build up.

Is anything coming up this year that brings anxiety to your heart and mind? If you know an anxiety trap is set up ahead, then make up your mind not to worry. Set yourself up to miss that trap altogether. Get into the word and write down scripture to encourage you for that moment. That’s what sticky notes are for, right? Do something tangible now to help your future self be at peace. It’s worth it. You’ll be glad you did.

As with all my blog posts, I want to offer to pray for you individually. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, finances, or health I would love to pray for you. Please fill out the Prayer Form and I will personally pray for you in confidentiality.

For further reading you may enjoy

The Cure for Fear
The Lord Determines our Steps
Battling Discouragement
Uncertainty
Mom Worries

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Blessing, Kim

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