WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
NOVEMBER 09, 2024
TOPIC: KEYS TO OVERCOMING ANXIETY (2)
BY T. O. BANSO
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 New International Version).
Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34 that we should not be anxious about anything. He says in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (New International Version). In agreement with this teaching, Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version). Also, Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 New International Version).
The devil wants us to be anxious or worried. However, yesterday’s devotional discussed five keys to overcoming anxiety, namely:
1. Have faith in God.
2. Study, meditate, and confess the Word of God always.
3. Cultivate praising and worshiping God.
4. Give all your worries to God.
5. No matter what is happening around or to you, don’t panic; be still.
Today’s devotional discusses more keys. But we see these additional keys, it is important to add to the last key discussed yesterday that the panic decisions people make when anxious aggravate their situations. Thank God for Paul in Acts 27:29-32 who, through the centurion and the soldiers, prevented the sailors from escaping from the ship because of the fear that the ship sailing amid a storm might hit some rocks. All those on board the ship would have perished.
Also, thank God for Paul and Silas in Acts 16 who did not allow the jailor to commit suicide for fear that the prisoners had escaped when he found the prison doors opened. But no prisoner had escaped. He didn’t need to kill himself. That is how people make wrong decisions that aggravate their situations. When the devil tries to make you anxious, avoid making panic decisions that can complicate matters.
6. Enjoy fellowship with brethren in church and outside. Don’t let Satan isolate you. If he does, he will cut you off from the flow of corporate anointing. He will also deny you access to fellow believers’ encouragement, support, and advice. Don’t forsake meeting with other believers for worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). Don’t deny yourself the ministry of the Word of God from God’s servants in the church that can help you overcome anxiety. Don’t block yourself from the help of other believers, as you share your concerns with them. God did not design that you go through life alone. There are pleasures in the presence of God to deal with the pressures of life that Satan puts on people (Psalm 16:11). Don’t withdraw from fellowship with other saints and allow the devil to minister to you, causing anxiety, and attacking your mind with negative thoughts.
7. Avoid ill-fitting jobs or careers. Sometimes people’s anxiety is caused by the stress associated with the kind of job they do or their careers. It is not every job or career that is suitable for everyone. Some jobs are better for some people because of their temperament, family setup, and life experiences. Therefore, everyone should prayerfully choose his profession or career.
Studies have linked ill-fitting careers significantly with stress and depression. For example, some careers put some people under so much stress because of their temperament. They don’t have the aptitudes for their jobs and are under serious pressure trying to cope and live up to the expectations of their employers and others. Because of their self-esteem, they are worried about failing and their future. They don’t like their jobs but lack the courage to quit or don’t know what to do next. Those well-matched for their jobs don’t have this problem. Don’t pursue a career or take up a job because of financial considerations alone. Be sure you are well-suited for it.
8. Take full advantage of pastoral counsel and act on divine instructions. Counseling is part of the pastor’s responsibilities. A pastor should be approachable and ethical in keeping members’ confidential information shared with him.
Pastors should not operate unnecessary protocol that shields them from the people God has called them to serve. They should also not be too busy not to have time to counsel their members. Many issues causing anxiety in people’s lives could have been avoided or can be addressed through pastoral counseling.
Believers should go for counseling if they have anxiety or worry they can’t handle alone. They should not let their egos keep them away from seeking counseling from their pastors or Christian counsellors. The right counsel will help them overcome their worries. “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit” (Hebrews 13:17 New Living Translation).
In 2 Kings 4, the prophet’s widow received divine instructions from the Prophet Elisha, and the financial pressure on her and the family was removed. She didn’t have to worry again. If she had not approached the man of God, her condition would have been complicated as the creditor was coming to take her two boys as his slaves (2 Kings 4:1-7).
9. Act on the leading of the Holy Spirit and prophetic words. This is another way to overcome anxiety. Follow what the Holy Spirit tells you and the prophetic word you’re convinced is from God. You will overcome your worry by so doing. The Bible says those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (Romans 8:14). It also says believe God you shall be established and believe His servants and you shall prosper (2 Chronicles 20: 20b).
Don’t neglect the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life and don’t despise prophecies. Don’t continue to be anxious by delaying obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the prophetic word. Obedience is still better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Do what God has told you to do.
10. Always have positive expectations. No matter what happens to you or around you, always have positive expectations. Believe that God will work everything together for your good and don’t yield to anxiety. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose” (Amplified Bible).
God made you. He has good thoughts towards you and good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). God wants to help you overcome anxiety. Cooperate with Him. There is hope in your future and your expectation shall not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18; 24:14; Psalm 62:5-7).
Conclusion: You don’t have to continue to live a life full of anxiety. God wants you to live a worry-free life. You will overcome anxiety if you act on what you have read.
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you need to give your life to Jesus now. Take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church. There they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.
Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life to Jesus now and invite Him into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.
I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You must join a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church in your area where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.
PRAYER POINTS: Father, deliver me from anxiety. I give all my worry to You and will overcome in Jesus’ name. I have positive expectations and no matter what, all things shall work together for my good. Therefore, I shall not be anxious about anything. I trust in You, Lord, with all my heart, and lean not on my understanding; in all my ways, I acknowledge You, and You shall direct my paths.
(For over 900 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
Email: cedarministryintl@yahoo.com,
cedarministryng@gmail.com
Website: www.cedarministry.org
