I know anxiety, and I know it well. Fortunately, so does Jesus, and He knows how to help me overcome it. Here are just a few of those ways:
1. Know you are not alone. Jesus is right there with you. Just call His name. There’s something about saying the name of Jesus that brings great peace.
2. Time doesn’t stand still—even though it feels that way sometimes! It keeps moving—and so should you! Help it pass along a little quicker by shifting your focus. Decide in the moment, you’ll worry about what you’re thinking about now later, get up and do something else. Wash the dishes, make the bed, anything other than what you are doing in the moment! And talk to Jesus while you do it — He’s a great listener!
3. Come face to face with your greatest fear or anxiety. Whatever it is, when you finally face it, acknowledge the possibility it could actually happen and act as if it will (no matter how scary). Your anxiety could actually decrease when you realize one day, should you continue to live completely for Jesus, there will only be joy and peace! So even if your worst fear comes true, it will never compare to the joy and peace you will have one day in heaven!
For example, my greatest fear is being told I have a terminal illness. Any slight pain, twinge or bodily function that is out of the norm becomes an immediate sign I am dying. In the moments of my greatest anxiety about this, I choose to face this fear and imagine I’m told my worst fear is true — I have a terminal illness of some sort and I only have so long to live. Inevitably, anxiety rises up in me, but immediately I hand it over to Jesus. He reminds me of where I am going if I keep striving to follow Him — and where that is, I will never feel pain, anxiety or sadness ever again!
I also think of those who have received this news, and the grace, courage and strength with which they live — all of which was given to them by Him — and how their lives become a model of true love, courage and surrender to Him.
Then, I realize my worst fear would actually be an answered prayer — to live in peace forever.
These are only three ways I’ve found to reduce anxiety and restore my peace — there are, of course, many, many more! Please feel free to drop a comment below to share your own way of reducing or eliminating your anxiety with Jesus by your side.
Have a blessed week, and may you all rest in the Heart of Jesus!
Laura
I always love the priest’s part in the Our Father at Mass where he says: “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming ofour Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Amen! I love that part, too! Thank you for pointing that out!
These are such great tips! I need to implement them!
Thank you for this article! I bought one of your t shirts today and decided to look at your blog. I am so glad I did because I have been dealing with anxiety. This article gives me a feeling of peace. Thank you.
Theresa, it was such a pleasure to meet you on Saturday! You are a beautiful soul and God has many good and wonderful things in store for you! May you be immersed in His mercy and peace today!
Trying not to be anxious and worried takes a lot of work. It is easy to worry and allow anxiety to crowd into my mind and my heart, but turning to prayer and asking Jesus to come into my heart makes all things bearable. Our youngest son has been very ill and in the hospital. He was in a great deal of pain and all we could do was pray since no one was allowed by his side. (Covid precautions) There were times that I caught myself holding my breath as my whole body tightened up with concern for him. I would recall the words “Jesus take care of everything” from one of your cards and then I could Breathe.