Christina Palermo – Worry seems to now be a common symptom of modern American life. According to the CDC, nearly 13% of U.S. adults report regular feelings of nervousness, stress, and anxiety.
For me, anxious thoughts and constant worrying somehow became my “default setting” beginning as far back as elementary school. As I matured, so did my anxiety. It got bigger and scarier. Instead of worrying about homework assignments or dodgeball picks, now I catastrophize about aging parents, financial instability, health challenges, and societal conflicts.
Recently I heard a podcaster say that there’s a simple and impactful hack to stop a raising mind by assuring yourself that you are physically safe. After all, the true purpose of anxiety is to keep humans physically safe. “Fight or flight” is what gets anxiety kicked up in our bodies. That’s because our physical bodies and minds are constantly scanning our environment to determine if we are in any type of danger – like from wild animals or threatening humans.
The next time my mind took off on one of its anxiety adventures, I said out loud “I am safe.” Then I took it a step further by saying: “My husband is safe. My stepson is safe. My Dad is safe. My in-laws are safe. We are all safe and healthy right now. Everyone is content. Our home is fine. There is no danger around me. I am safe.”
It seems so silly but telling myself “I’m safe” actually worked!
The very first time I tried it while laying in bed, struggling to drift away into a peaceful sleep, I was shocked by how soothing only a few words could be.
Now, this got me thinking……why worry about everything under the sun? Does my worrying about things make them not happen? Who put me in charge of this useless task anyway?
Then my pastor reminded me of something else that brought everything into focus: you worry because your faith in God isn’t as strong as you think. Work on your faith, the worry will recede. God is in control, you are not. Believe it.
The Bible has over 50 texts referring to how God and Jesus do not want you to be anxious.
Some verses that have given me comfort include:
John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
My bottom line is that if I can worry, then I can just as easily pray and I hope my lesson brings you some comfort.
In those moments when your heart is racing and the world feels out of control, remember God has everything in the palm of His Mighty hand. Rest easy in knowing that your God is protecting you, watching over you, and making a way for you and your loved ones.
Even if you face a tragedy or setback, God will be there to comfort you and set you right for an amazing future blessing.
Go to your Heavenly Father and declare that you need to lean on Him for support, guidance, and love. Say those words over and over in your mind when you feel the warm creep of anxiety within your body,
If you hand-over to God your worries, He will give you His perfect peace.
Christina Palermo is a freelance writer who leans deeply into her faith. You can find her on LinkedIn.
Photo Source: Caleb Oquendo, @caleboquendo, via Pexels.
