Anxiety – Don’t let it Steal your JOY
We all tend to fall down the rabbit hole that begins with negative thoughts and leads down that slippery slop to anxiety, worry, and often depression. Yet, God says “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11.
We are, unfortunately, addicted to anxiety and his brother worry I believe, because in some small way we have convinced ourselves that worrying and being anxious will help us be in control, and we lust for more control of our lives. Yet, the truth is we are not in control, we are not in control of others, or the world around us, we must let go of this lie to be able to let go and let God or the universe or whatever higher power you ascribe to. The Word says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4: 6-7
This is not for God’s sake she is just fine whether we worry or not, it is for us that we must let go – give it up. Because, news flash! all the fretting and worrying in the world is not going to give you this ultimate control you seek. What it will give you is ulcers and sickness and depression and maybe even a cancer. So meditate on the now, the letting go of negativity and worries because they do not serve you any good. Much like the cousin to anxiety, anger is also not our friend, we lose our minds over the guy who cut us off in traffic as if our drinking of this proverbial poison will somehow harm him, when in truth it harms us. Another reason for our anxieties is our natural desire to hang on to things, relationships, material goods. In the 5 precepts of Buddhism this is one of the reason’s for the worlds suffering — attachments. If we could only realize that we are just causing ourselves un-necessary anxiety by hanging on to things that we honestly never had anyway. I try to remember that everything is exactly as it should be, all my peace and happiness is within me, not contained in my partner or my possessions. We humans have a tendency to concentrate on US, the me, me, me world we live in, inside this cocoon of thoughts it’s no wonder we develop anxiety. It can be helpful to get out of our own minds and think about those others we share in this planet with, we may have some issues but we are not alone, and we are needed to help our brothers and sisters. No better way to lift your spirits than to help your fellow human or animal or even plant. Let Go and Let GOD, Get out of Yourself and into Nature, Help Others….and when all else fails start the next day with your meditation and try again, none of us are perfect cut yourself some slack. There is much JOY to be had in this life don’t let anxiety ruin the precious gifts we are given. Go outside today and notice the immense beauty of this world, take time to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, spend time in prayer, hug a friend. Know that you are a daughter or son of a King and you are loved more than you can ever imagine, the Bible says God knows every hair on you head – he feeds the sparrows and the waters the flowers how much more will he take care of you.
Thanks be to GOD!
Episcopal Lotus Flower in Bloom 
Excellent 🙂 cathie
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Thank you Cathie! Blessings!
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