Our dreams for my eldest son and his planned future seemed to be evaporating in front of our eyes, despite his diligence and hard work, because of the carelessness and lack of urgency on the part of another.

As a family, we discussed, made game-plans and back-up contingency plans, and prayed together, yet the closer we got to deadlines, the less certain we felt that the plans would work out in his favor.

“Mom, I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I’ve never given something my all and not succeeded, and had it come to a significant cost to my loved ones. I’m not sure what to do.”

His words were true: He and I had that in common—just about anything we set our mind to, with enough hard work and tenacity, we achieved. But this time, someone else stood as a gate-keeper.

My husband and I problem solved and posed alternative solutions, but each one was shot down. I asked several close friends to keep our situation in prayer before the Lord, for there was nothing else we could do. One morning, as I poured out my frustration before the Lord, I sensed Him whisper to my heart, “What part of be anxious for nothing are you struggling with?”

“Pretty much all of it, if I’m being honest. Basically, you tell us to be anxious for NO thing, yet it seems like EVERY thing is causing me to worry and fret right now. But then, you already knew that.”

God always has a way of directly pointing to the heart of matters, at least for me.

In His question, He was reminding me that not only had I given in to a spirit of worry, fear and anxiety about my son’s future, but it had unknowingly crept in in other areas recently too:

“How will I get all my work done in time to leave for my trip, and not be behind when I return?”

“What if my younger son has trouble making friends and doesn’t adjust well to life as a high schooler?”

“How will I ever meet my writing deadlines with my upcoming speaking schedule, and a full patient load at my private practice?”

“What will the tests show when we meet with the oncologist about my husband’s recent CT and PET scan?”

“How can I best communicate my patient’s test results in a way that they can receive them, benefit from them, and not become defensive?”

The longer I sat in the morning stillness, the more I realized that if I didn’t intentionally share my concerns with God in prayer, then I sacrificed any semblance of peace and anxiety began to ran amuck from one area of my life to another and another. Yet, when I leave my requests with Him, trust and thank Him in advance that He would answer in His perfect time and perfect way, my heart and mind are free to rest in His perfect peace.

“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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7)

“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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) #Bibleverse

 

Anxiety over my son’s future accomplished nothing, but robbed us of peace during time together. We had done all we knew to do, all he was responsible for doing. At that point, instead of fretting and worrying, our best course of action was to trust that God had a plan, and that He would make a way where there seemed to be no way. And if He didn’t, we could still trust His promises that He works all things together for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Either way, we win and we do so in peace.

What thing are you struggling not to worry or be anxious about today? Will you pray about it, thankfully share your concerns with God, and trust Him with the outcome? He wants you to have His peace.

Because of Him, #PeacePrevails!

Dr. Bengtson

 

(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)

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Resource to Break Anxiety’s Grip

Breaking Anxiety's Grip is available at most major book retailers. Order your copy today!

 

No question, we have a lot to worry about. Children, jobs, homes, health, finances, and more. The solution isn’t to rid ourselves of the sources of anxiety – as if we could. Instead, we need to recognize that anxiety originates from a spiritual influence and that we can fight back using the God-given weapons of power, love, and a sound mind.

We can discover true peace in an age of anxiety.

In Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares her own story of emerging from the battle with anxiety as well as the stories of others. She reminds you of your identity as a follower of Christ and of the peace he promises you in spite of everything.

She provides tools to cope with the crushing emotional burden of anxiety now and, more importantly, shows you how to reclaim God’s peace as a way of life so that you can break anxiety’s grip.

Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises is now available on AmazonBarnes & NobleChristianBooks.comBooks-A-Millionand other fine book retailers.

Click here to learn more:  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip.

 

Early one morning, I sensed God whisper to my heart, “what part of be anxious for nothing are you struggling with?” Well, pretty much EVERY thing was causing me to worry and fret. God has a way of pointing to the heart of a matter. Are you struggling not to worry or be anxious? Want the secret for resting in God’s peace?

 

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