Thought
I love the opening quote by Charles Spurgeon.
How often is precious time wasted because of needless anxiety?
Our world is still in a state of low-grade anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anxiety rears its ugly head from multiple origins. Â Sometimes it is clinical, and other times, it is fear-based.
For this writing, I will focus on the anxiety that arises from fear.
Fear-based anxiety manifests itself from various circumstances and mental states, including but not limited to:
- Stressing/worrying about something we have no control over
- Feelings of low self-worth
- Self-doubt that has come unhinged
- Substance abuse
- Etc…
A Look-Back
In my twenties, I started handling stress-related anxiety with drugs. Â Then, life started happening, and I didn’t like my “happenings,” so I escaped and became comfortably numb to the world.
Eventually, the drugs turned on me, and my anxiety turned into paranoia, leading to mental, physical, and spiritual bankruptcy.
The devil had me flat on my back and tried hard to convince me there was no use in living.
Some of you know my story, but in desperation, I turned to God and began listening to the right people and doing the next right thing, one day at a time, and the rest is history.
Action
Conquering stress and anxiety in healthy ways did not happen overnight for me. It was a slow, arduous process, but I am so glad I fought it.
Several years ago, I put together a magic formula to help me keep my anxiety at bay. It’s called P.E.A.C.E + God:
P = PLAN-Today, I have a plan for my life that is aligned with my God-purpose. Life no longer lives me; I live life.
E = EFFORT-I always give my best effort, so I have no regrets.
A = ATTITUDE-I try my best to have an effective attitude. Â An effective attitude brings energy and value to my life and the lives I touch.
C = COMMUNITY-I’ve learned that nothing great happens by doing it alone. I can’t learn if I’m not teachable, and can’t keep what I have unless I give it away.
E = ENERGY-I always try to fuel my body with energy by eating right, sleeping right, exercising right, and exposing my mind to positive vibes.
+God=I ask God to help me with these areas of P.E.A.C.E. one day at a time.
When I’m focused on P.E.A.C.E., I’m blinded to the devil’s attempts to make me anxious.
My P.E.A.C.E. process is grounded in scripture from Philippians 3:13.
A few years ago, I wrote a devotional about P.E.A.C.E.– In Search of P.E.A.C.E.,  If you struggle with anxiety, this book may help you form healthy habits to combat it.  Click on the link above for information on how to order it.
2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (ESV)
Reflection:
What beliefs, thoughts, and actions cause you to struggle with anxiety?
Additional Scripture to read and reflect upon:Â Philippians 4:6, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 15:13
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
