Be At Peace,

Do not be afraid.  I am with you.  Trust in me and I will bring it to pass.  Rest in me and you will find peace.  Come to me and share your concerns.  I will listen to you.

Anxiety: My compassion for you
Believe it or not, I do understand how you feel.  Compassion is one of my strongest characteristics.  Did you know that I can truly empathize with you, whether you are going through times of peace and joy or times of anxiety and worry?  As a human on earth, I too had doubt.  In my ninth hour on the cross, I called out for my Father asking him why he had forgotten me.  Remember when I called out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"  I also had doubt in the desert that I could stand firm against the temptations of the evil one.  I was tempted over and over to depart from the purposes my Father desired for me.  Do not lose sight of what is important in my eyes.  I know what you need before you ask.

Anxiety: You are not alone -
Every day I talk to other friends struggling with worry and anxiety in their lives:  A mother whose child is dying of Leukemia and won't live to see his 8^th birthday; The construction worker who is out of work and can't make the payments on his family's home; The young bachelor who is afraid to commit to marrying a woman he really loves because he lived through his parents' painful divorce; The mother of three whose widowed father can no longer live independently and is faced with providing or getting him the care he needs;  Some who feel anxious without being able to identify the cause- possibly feeling that they aren't deserving of other's love or of the blessings they have.  The point is you are not alone.  They all cry out to me and what do I want them to hear? 

Anxiety: Stand up with dignity and value
First and foremost I want you to stand up with dignity.  I love and value you, so embrace your value.  You are worthy of all of my love and my promises.  The big lie is that I am not at work in the world and it all rests on your shoulders.  No!  You were bought at a price.  Do not become slaves of men or a victim of worry.  Put your hope in me and my promise to care for you according to my purposes.  You are of infinite value to me.  You are my treasure and my child!  I love you unconditionally.  My love for you never changes.  You are deserving because it is my gift to you- no strings attached. 

Anxiety: I am on your side  
I want you to believe that you and I are on the same side, working together. I have sent my Holy Spirit to dwell in you and among you as a reminder that I am here.  I want you to ask, in faith, for my help.  Also, don't discount the love and support others can give you as well.  That is part of my plan.  A shared burden becomes less of a burden.  I want you to believe that things will eventually work out for the good, although perhaps not in the way that you expect, but I will never forsake you or abandon you.

Yes, I have full power to solve your problem, but to be honest, I do not promise to solve your problems now.  So what good am I?  I want you to know that as your friend, my deepest desire is to walk with you through this.  I will be here to listen to you, to support you, to affirm you, to help you persevere.

In case you want to blame me, I did not intend things to be this way.  My enemy and your enemy has broken this world and wants to destroy you.  It was never my plan to have you live a life filled with anxiety.  Worry and doubt is the world's own plan.  Being anxious accomplishes nothing and works against my desire for your peace and joy.

In case you feel guilty for something you did, I do not judge you.  My role is to defend you from judgment.  Keep in mind that if you ask me for forgiveness, it is yours.   Any remaining guilt does not come from me, and is most likely from the enemy.

Anxiety: My advice is to enjoy today
If you want my advice, then focus on living your life just for today. Do not be anxious about tomorrow.  Use this time to appreciate what you do have.  Yes, be thankful.  Focus also on loving others.

Recognize that you are NOT in control of the situation so relax.  I am in control. Rest in my love; just be diligent to do your part. 

I will try to lead you to people and resources who will help you.  Be on the watch for my hand in your life.

Remember always, I love you and am with you!

Your truest friend,