Yikes! The coronavirus . . . financial woes . . . racial tension . . . .

Does anxiety camp out in your tent? You know, the earthly tent you live in as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:1.

While not a welcome visitor, anxiety nonetheless often makes itself at home and causes dis-ease within—maybe even more devastating than a virus. It’s time to kick it to the curb, to reclaim the peace Jesus promises.

But how do you rid yourself of anxiety?

In order to get control over this pesky intruder, put a face to it. Imagine what it looks like. You’re in charge here, so picture how big it is, the expression on its face—one you are not afraid of. Give it a name of your making, one which will help you diminish its power by using humor. Perhaps Pitiful Purloiner, Appalling Angst, or Worry Wart Wimp. Now, envision yourself looming over P.P., A.A., or W.W.W.

Speak to this trespasser:
“Pitiful Purloiner, you have no place in my life because I am a child of God!”
“Appalling Angst, in all things God works for me because I love Him and am called according to His purpose. Therefore anxiety, I choose to believe my Lord has this situation. I am in His hands, not yours.”
“Worry Wart Wimp, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

You have the sword of the Spirit in your grip—the mighty word of God. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) Right here our Creator assures us His Word is all-powerful. It is ours to embrace, to wield so we can cut out that which harms us.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.”—Proverbs 12:25 (NASB)

No one escapes anxious thoughts, heavy weights tugging us downward. God promises a “good word” will transform and transport your heart into gladness. What a powerful prescription! The Bible is full of good words to lift you up, to empower you.

What good word(s) will you take hold of and sow today? Tomorrow? And the day after?

Thought for the Day: An antidote for anxiety is but a breath away.

Thank you, Lord, for providing a way out from underneath the anxious thoughts within me. Direct me this moment to the word you have waiting for me in your Word.