A few weeks ago, I found myself easily distracted by thoughts of the future and getting overwhelmed. Each day during that week, I would run through my mind every single thing that I had to do when I got home- who I had to visit, when I should start working, things I would like to buy, deciding if I should make certain plans. Each day, I decided a new configuration of which weeks I would go on which vacation and visit which person. It came time on a Wednesday for our squad prayer time, and I could barely focus on praying for 5 minutes without thinking about other things.
I have dealt with anxiety during high school, but I would not say it is a prevailing struggle now. With that being said, I still am a human with tendencies to worry and overthink. That night, I decided to write out Bible verses about anxiety and worry, and put them on my wall by my bed. Every morning, I try to have the first thing that I do be to look at these verses. I know that this is a small story, but I decided to post it along with the verses so it could possibly impact or inspire one person in setting their mind on God, and off of any other distractions.
Here are the verses that I put on my wall:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. And in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” -Psalm 37:5
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives you do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid.” -John 14:27
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever s pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is an excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” -Philippians 4:6-8
Use these verses as not just reminders, but as a defense!! A defense against the enemy or anything that the world has to say about you. Also, in the front cover of my Bible I have a small sheet of paper with the names of many verses having to do with anxiety, peace, and trusting God. Some of these verses, I could quote in my sleep, but there are many times in my life where they aren’t the first things I tend to think of, so having them very visible and handy encourages me to sit in Truth.
