Its infiltration was slow like the mist coming off the sea. It crept in and enveloped me unaware until I was covered as with a wet blanket. I didn’t recognize it for what it was until I was weighted down under the cascade—the waterfall of anxiety. That’s how anxiety usually works: it often starts out small and over time grows to troublesome proportions. But what about God and anxiety? He gives the same answer to us today as He gave centuries ago.
Anxiety often starts out small
Rarely, for example, do people wake up one day with a full-blown case of agoraphobia. Often it starts with something fairly small and inconsequential, like a moment or two of turbulence on a flight which then leads to a fear of flying. Then perhaps a fear of any public transportation. Next, a fear of traveling on highways might ensue, followed by a fear driving outside the neighborhood, until ultimately becoming homebound.
Afflicted by a rather severe but nonetheless innocuous cold, not wanting to keep my husband awake from my congestion and painful moans, I moved to the guest bedroom.
Only a few years before, that was the room I occupied during a several month recovery from a serious illness. As I attempted to sleep now, haunting visions of that dreadful ordeal seeped in to contest my sleep.
The “What If?” Trap
Unable to get up and do anything productive, my mind gave in to a playground of questions:
- What if this turns into something more serious?
- What if I can’t recoup the lost time?
- What if there is something about this room that breeds devastation?
Have you ever fallen prey to the “What if?” trap?
- What will I say?
- What if people don’t like me?
- What if the check doesn’t clear?
- What if I don’t pass this test?
- What if I don’t get that job (or job promotion)?
I found it comforting to learn that even Biblical greats have wrestled with similar questions.
In Exodus, God sent Moses to Pharaoh to bring His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. In his fear, Moses began listening to the lies in his head:
- What if I’m not qualified?
- What if I don’t know what to say?
- What if they don’t listen to me?
- What am I supposed to tell them when they ask who sent me?
God first assured Moses that He would be with Moses—He wasn’t asking Moses to do it alone. Then, “God replied to Moses, ‘I AM Who I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14
God and Anxiety: His answer to doubt, fear and anxiety
God’s answer to Moses is the same as His answer to our doubts, our fears, and our anxiety today.
First, God will be with us—we do not face any situation on our own.
Second, He is our “I AM.” He is everything we need. He is everything we need Him to be and everything we need Him to do.
In Him, we are sufficiently equipped for whatever He calls us to.
As my mind entertained haunting flashbacks of that particularly dire time in my life, anxiety flooded every part of me. After several nights of battle, I began to fear bedtime itself. I had given in to the enemy’s lies that I was defeated.
The answer to my anxiety came from the same source for Moses’s relief: recognizing that God is sufficient for my every need and that wherever I went, God went with me.
I repented for entertaining lies from the spirit of fear and began declaring that no matter where I go, I AM sent me and is with me.
The answer to our anxiety
The answer to our anxiety is resting in the power of God’s decree, “I AM.”
Resources for Anxiety:
Other Helpful Articles for Anxiety:
Talk Back to Anxiety
7 Steps for Coping with Anxiety
It is Finished: What Jesus Would Say About Anxiety
Anxious for No Thing
Coping with Panic Attacks
Don’t Give Worry a Voice
Take a Deep Breath
Ask DrB: What is the Difference Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack
Resource to Break Anxiety’s Grip
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 Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBooks.com, Books-A-Million, and other fine book retailers.
Click here to learn more: Breaking Anxiety’s Grip.
I have suffered from serious forms of anxiety in my lifetime. And you are right, it starts out so insidiously and then it seems like one small event leads to more anxiety until one day you are paralyzed.
I never thought about how the Bible indeed has examples of the great Saints before us wrestling with the “what ifs?” The Lord really does cover EVERYTHING in Scripture that we could possibly deal with or experience.
Your reminder that Moses’ I AM is our I AM was so encouraging and helpful, especially in the area of anxiety.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Karen, So glad you stopped by. God truly is faithful. He has thought of and already given us everything we need for life and godliness. And the learning process will continue until we meet Him face to face in glory. I hope we’ll see you again soon. Blessings!
I really like how you brought out Moses and also the comfort of the amazing statement “I AM.” What a comfort that is! When you go through the things in your mind…such great examples that we all can relate to. Tweeting, pinning! Enjoying you Rx series very much! Blessings!
Your comments are always a blessing to me Bonnie Lyn. Isn’t God wonderful to have provided for us in all the testimonies of the Biblical greats? Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
It is amazing how powerful two little words are. “I AM.” That is all we need. Thank you for this encouraging reminder! I needed it today! Visiting from the #RaRaLinkup
I’m so glad that God’s reminder to me encouraged you Dana. He has already given us everything we need for life and Godliness. His declaring “I AM” over our lives is sufficient for everything we need. I pray you’ll visit again sometimes. Hope Prevails!
Best prescription for anxiety there is. Encouraging post, thanks.
Thanks Wise Hearted! I pray it meets someone in their place of need. Blessings to you. Hope Prevails!
I love that there is hope in the Lord! I deal with more anxiety as I age (middle aged now)…. so thanks for this!
Clare, sometimes I think people worry more or deal with more anxiety as they age because they’ve had more experiences to look back on and project onto current situations. No matter our age, God remains I AM, and as long as we put our trust in Him, we have no reason for anxiety. But for me, it means daily taking thoughts captive. So glad you came by. Hope to see you here again soon. Hope Prevails!
I am visiting some of my new friends from The Consilium today and I am so glad I did. I am struggling with anxiety about an issue with my daughter and your post was just what I needed to read today. Blessings friend! You have blessed me.
Your kind words are a blessing to me this morning. I’m so glad to meet another Consilium sister! Isn’t community wonderful? And even moreso, our God who provides for all our needs…right down to leading us to a blog post with words of encouragement for the day. Oh how He loves you. I hope to see you back Carmen. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
This is so true! Anxiety is such a problem for my husband, who does not believe in Christ. I want to tell him that, while Christianity is not a “cure all”, God will help him through if only he trusts in Him. Thanks for sharing this all-important message!
Gina, anxiety comes because we try to take control…if we’d just surrender control to God, He’d handle all our concerns. Unfortunately even as Christians we often forget that part. Praying for your husband to learn truth, and for you to be a light in the darkness. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Phillippians 4 has come to my rescue many times with this topic!
Yes Kristin, thinking on whatever is good, right, pure, and lovely is surely a great anecdote to anxiety!! Thanks for bringing that up!
Amen! The I AM is who he says he is and he will do what he says he will do. Period. If we can truly believe that – we have life covered – in all ways. Great words spoken here today. Love it. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
So true, Kelly! If we can believe that God is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do, then truly we have everything we need for life and godliness! Thanks for taking the time to come over, and comment. Blessings!
Thanks for linking up with #JoyHopeLive Anxiety has been a thorn in my side. It is only in God that I find peace.
Oh Hope, it is only in God that any of us can find peace. We all struggle with some degree of worry, fear, or anxiety or it wouldn’t be mentioned in the Bible 365 times-once for every day of the year! But thankfully, He also offers the solution. Holding you up, my dear sister, that His truth will set you free! Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
What a wonderful reminder! I love realizing that He truly is the “I AM” and is greater than any of our worries!
Knowing the sufficiency of God for our every need is everything we could ask for! And He gave it freely without waiting for us to ask. He truly is greater than our worries. Blessings!
Oh, thank you so much for this post! I feel sometimes like I have a lifetime ticket on the “What If Train” – I ride it every day it seems. Anxiety is a terrible taskmaster – stealing joy, energy, hope. I’ve battled with it for a very long time.
But, like you, I am learning more and more that it is more than enough to know that the Lord is with me ALL the time. Even in those breathless moments of fear, even during the sleepless nights, even when I feel like I can’t move. HE IS THERE!
And HE is more than enough for anything that life throws my way. For I am persuaded than nothing can separate me from His love…
GOD BLESS!
Such wonderful truths you are holding on to Sharon! Keep repeating those truths, for God’s word will not return void, and it is living and active sharper than a 2-edged sword! He is enough. That’s all we need to say. He IS enough, because He is the I AM!! Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Saving this!! Thank you for writing and sharing -what truth! His answer is perfect : ) Glad to find you via #Faith-Filled Friday! Blessings!
Your sweet words bless me this morning Bethany. Feel free to share with anyone you think it might help. God’s answer is always perfect. Blessings to you!
Wow, do I understand this. And you are so right – the lies, worries, etc. start small, and can grow out of control if we do not submit them to Christ. I have struggled with believing the lies of the enemy for years. I wrote a post about in entitled ‘Lies I believe’ – it was heartbreaking to acknowledge the stronghold I had given the enemy, but praise God that He is walking me into freedom. I would be honored if you would visit incrementalhealing.wordpress.com and share your thoughts.
Blessings and hugs,
Kamea
Kamea, you are not alone in your struggles. The enemy prowls seeking whom he can destroy. We are all targets! I’m so glad you’re aware of his work, so that you can cling to God’s truth to find freedom. I look forward to visiting your site. I hope you’ll come back here soon for more words of encouragement and hope. Because of Him, Hope Prevails.
I needed this read today – thank you – this is an area in my life where it seems like my anxiety keeps getting worse and it creeps in real slow. I didn’t even know I struggled with anxiety until two months ago. I was reading another blog post and she was sharing her story. I related. I just didn’t have name for it. Now I’m going to counseling. Reading your post encourages me to did deeper. I’m glad I discovered you on Equipping Godly Women link up. I’d like to talk to you more – so I will send you a message on your contact.
Lisa, I can promise you that you are not alone. If we didn’t struggle with it so much, there wouldn’t be 365 verses in the bible about anxiety, worry, and fear…one for every day of the year. I would suggest you dig a little deeper. God promises we don’t need to worry. Here’s hoping you take Him up on His promises! Because of Him, Hope Prevails.
This post was very timely for me. I was having some strange symptoms that I thought were spine/nerve related. My doctor suggested they might be anxiety-induced, but I didn’t really believe her. Yesterday, I had my first panic attack ever, probably induced by “What If’s,” like you mentioned. Today, my scripture passage is Hebrews 4:15-16, which says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Thanks for the reminder that God is everything we need.
DavyJolene, I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling with anxiety. It’s a torturous beast to deal with. But God is bigger and more able than anything we ever come up against. You might find this post helpful as well: https://drmichellebengtson.com/coping-with-panic-attacks/ Cling to Him-He promises to supply for all our needs. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
This is so encouraging! Thank you for sharing this post on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!
Thanks. I hope it helps many.
Thanks so much for linking up at MeetUp Monday! Hope to see you again tomorrow!
–Krista
http://www.thequinntessentialmommy.com
Thanks Krista.
Such a helpful, encouraging post, Michelle. Thank you for linking with us at #TellHisStory.
Thanks Jennifer. I pray it encourages many to seek the solver of all our problems. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Hello, this post has been FEATURED this week on the Art of Hom-Making Mondays 🙂
Thanks! I hope it blesses your readers!
I suffer off and on from anxiety. Mostly if I stay busy and occupied I’m okay. Thanks for the reminder that Moses’ God is also my God.
Jennifer, anxiety is a tenacious beast. I pray the God of Moses, our Great I AM will meet you at your place of need as you let Him conquer the problems which prompt your heart to turn from His provision to your worry. He IS greater. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Such an encouraging post! From the time I was very small, every time I would start off, “But what if…” my mom would always step in and say, “That’s a what-if, and we won’t worry about that unless it happens.” I still say that to myself today. Some days are easier than others, though! Thanks so much for taking the time to link up with us over at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, and that we see you again this Friday! Feel free to bring a friend 🙂
Kristen, it sounds like your mother was instrumental in teaching you the basic premise of this post: there is no need for “What if…” when we know and trust “I AM”. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
This is a very timely post! Anxiety isn’t something I’ve dealt with hardly at all in my life, probably due to the blessing of faith the Lord has given me, but recently I can hear this self-doubt talking to me more and more. I needed this reminder! Thanks for linking up with Christian Fellowship Friday!
So glad this post had something beneficial for you DaLynn. God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear/worry/anxiety, but He does give us the solution for it. We can all be prone to self-doubt, especially when we take our eyes off Him, even just for a moment. I’m so grateful for His mercy and grace, and that there is no condemnation for those of us who are His children. Blessings to you, Dear One!
Given my family’s history, I always assumed it would depression that got me. However it took a couple of Facebook posts by a close friend about her anxiety issues for me to realize that the pain in my head wasn’t (all) depression. I am pretty sure at this point my bouts of depression are actually anxiety-related/caused. I’ve gotten to the point where just thinking about going to the store makes me want to lock myself in the closet. It’s very hard some days to remember that God is right there, in the midst of it. Thank you for the beautiful reminder!
I’m so thankful to our good Heavenly Father for helping to clarify your situation. Neither anxiety nor depression are enjoyable, and at times are quite painful, just as you described with the moments of wanting to lock yourself in the close. The enemy doesn’t want us to remember God is there, but the truth is that God is always right there and has you by the hand. You are never alone. Press in to Him, especially during those times. Let Him be your great “I AM”. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Nothing much has changed since the fall, has it? We humans can be easily tempted with fear and anxiety. But God is so faithful when we turn to Him. Blessings!
So thankful for this message today. I am sitting here reading and my mind and body want to be anxious but you are telling me not to be anxious but to trust in the Lord. He is the great I AM and He will take care of me. I always beat myself up with why didn’t I do this or that. I should have known what to do. Very similar to your what ifs. But I know why and I know the answers in my heart but I just need them in my mind and thoughts and to stand on the truth that the Lord is with me and I am not going to fear or anxiety. Thank you for this very timely message. Love you and appreciate you, Dr. Michelle, very much!
We are supposed to be as He is, 1 John 4:17, because He is, the I AM, is the only way we are. And we have to just let Him be.
I have been thinking about many of these truths in the last few days. How kind of God to reinforce them by bringing me here.
I cling to the fact that God is always with me. I can’t wait to read your new book. Blessings, Maree
Such wisdom you bring, Michelle! Thank you for this inspiring post. And thank you for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Thank you for your feature, but more importantly for your encouragement and for a space to share the thoughts and reflections God gives us.