In these challenging times, is anxiety, stress, or fear holding you hostage and keeping you from rest? Do you feel burdens pressing in that seem too heavy to bear? When stressful thoughts pull you in the wrong direction, and you’re struggling to find balance, the following prayer might express your thoughts and help you find relief and freedom:
Lord Jesus, the stresses in my life often reach a dangerous proportion—or so it seems. My body, mind, and spirit struggle to keep up physically, mentally, and yes, spiritually. Some days anxiety stalks me like a deceitful predator, and the temptation to worry draws me in. I know better, but some days the challenges outweigh the truths buried inside. My trust in You fades into the background, giving fear and concerns permission to discourage me.
In those moments of apprehension, help me remember that I belong to You and that You are not the author of fear or anxiety, but the giver of love and a sound mind. Teach me Your ways to respond to problems by giving thanks in every circumstance. Your Word assures me that You are always there with me.
You Are the Blessed Controller
You are the Blessed Controller of all things, and nothing escapes Your attention in my life. You have given me every tool and spiritual blessing to fight against those things that try to steal my peace. You’ve promised that when I’m stressed and burdens are trying to weigh me down, I can come to You. You will give me sweet rest!
Whether the anxiety stems from potential illness, work, parenting, finances, physical issues, or even world conditions, You are there, Lord, to shoulder the weight. Teach me to recognize the stressful trials as tools for you to shape me and rearrange me. Through those difficult times, You will teach me patience, enlarge my faith, and help me see things I couldn’t see earlier—if I will only let You. When I’m clueless as to what to do, Lord, I want to turn to you first, not last.
I Want to Trust You More
Forgive me for trying to handle things on my own, Lord. The need to be in control or the pressures I feel from without and within sometimes place a stronghold on my life. That only makes things worse. I want to trust You more and see things from Your perspective, not my own. No one makes me feel uptight, angry or stressed, and no one forces me to react negatively. I choose to respond according to my beliefs—or lack of them. Help me to be gentle with myself, and not create unrealistic expectations that You never intended.
Do I believe You are in control? You created all things and hold all things in Your Hand. Do I believe You are truly good? When an anxious thought creeps in, help me stop and relax, take that thought captive, and turn apprehension into a calm prayer for deliverance. Revamp my belief system, Lord. Show me a new way to handle life according to Your Way.
Turn Stress Into Lessons for Growth and Trust
No matter what issues I am dealing with; no matter how big the problems or situations, I’m laying them all at Your feet today. Turn these potentials for stress into lessons for growth and trust. When I can’t see any possible solutions, I choose to believe that You are working things out for my good—in Your own time. Show me what to do, or what not to do. As I focus on You, remembering Your promises and Your words, I believe You will fill me with a peace that is beyond all understanding.
Help Us to Pray and Encourage Others
In times of crisis that affect others and my own life or family, help me remember to pray for others and do what I can with the resources you have given me to help encourage others not to fear, but to trust in You. Lord, You are our Refuge and Strength in all times of trouble.
Draw us close to you and each other even when we have to distance ourselves from one another to protect against things like disease. Through prayer, through calls, through cards, and through social technology, You have given us many ways to stay connected. May we do our part so that no one feels alone or forgotten.
In Your precious name,
Amen
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6 NIV).
*Depression is real, even for Christians, and most of us have dealt with it at one time or another. But help is available. Talk to those who can offer counsel and support. You never have to walk through those times alone.
Is Anxiety Holding You Hostage?
It’s Your Turn
What about you? Is anxiety, stress, or fear holding you hostage? What is causing you to feel anxious? How has God and His Word ministered to you in times of anxiety? I love to hear from readers. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then the email will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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