What Do I Do With This Anxiety?!

 I was listening to a podcast recently and the Holy Spirit shifted my thought process in a profound way.

The teacher being interviewed grew up in church doing all the "right" things. As an adult, she has faced some significant loss. She was talking about how anxiety and insecurity are problems for most of us. Then she shared this thought:  what if when you feel anxious or insecure, that is actually an invitation from the Holy Spirit?

The next thing that came to my mind was the Lord saying to me: "Come to Me."

That thought! So simple but seemingly difficult.  I WANT to bring ALL of my thoughts of not being enough or being unlovable, or unvalued, to Him. To replace those thoughts with: "My Father wants me, loves me, values me."  He wants to spend time with me!  And you!  

Oh, what a wonderful Truth! I am loved with an everlasting love! AND SO ARE YOU!  Holy Spirit, teach us to sift our thoughts and internal dialogue through You--to accept Your invitation and hear what you have to say about it.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this tender and loving image. Unfortunately, many times I allow anxious thoughts and insecurity to spiral and take me to some desperate places.  Forgive me, Lord, for believing the lies and giving them my time and attention.  I may think or feel that I am unworthy but You say otherwise. Help me, Holy Spirit, to come to You and cling to that Truth.  And help me to be faithful in telling others this good news. Thank you for constantly inviting me into Your Presence where healing and restoration can take place.  You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory! Praise Your holy name!  Amen.

"...Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."  ~ Jeremiah 31:3

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"  ~ Philippians 4:6

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ~ Romans 12:2