Crush It: Anxiety

​            Anxiety- it’s crippling. It’s inhibiting, obstructing, and most obnoxiously, it’s a preventative tactic utilized by the enemy to keep you from achieving the Lord’s destiny. Think of anxiety like some sort of shape-shifter. Picture it as some crazy weapon the enemy has created to adjust to your daily life:
Got a big pile of homework all due tomorrow morning? Anxiety.
Friend troubles? Anxiety.
Long Starbucks line? Anxiety.
            Whether it be something you have been diagnosed with by a professional, or if your anxiety stems from expectations, school work, or relationships, you deserve more. In fact, the Lord says in His Word to “…not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
            When the enemy is dangling the overwhelming feeling of anxiety in front of your face, I invite you to remember this little secret- you’ve already won. That’s right. You’re already a victor! Whatever “thing” Satan has used to trigger your anxiety won’t defeat you. Your victory has already been found. In truth, your victory was found a couple of thousand years ago on the hill of Calvary, hanging upon two pieces of wood, perpetuated by Jesus’ selfless love. By giving Himself up to the Pharisees, He set you free from the curse of sin AND anxiety. He crushed anxiety in its place. His love is so big that there is no longer room for anxiety in your life. The enemy knows that, and he wants you to temporarily forget that fact in order to distract you from God’s glory.
            With that truth established, how on Earth are you supposed crush anxiety? Thankfully, Paul laid it out simply in the last chapter of Ephesians:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV)
            The armor of God? Halloween costumes can be cool and all, and hey, if that image helps you prioritize the truth, that rocks! But metaphorically speaking, continuing in verses 13-16, Paul describes dressing oneself in preparation for battle. Spiritual battle that you could face daily. Whom may you face at the battle lines? Anxiety. What attributes has the Lord prepared within you to, by grace and through faith, to CRUSH anxiety?
YOUR BELT OF TRUTH
YOUR BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
THE SWORD OF SPIRIT (THE WORD)
AND PRAYER.
With these in mind, I urge you to prepare yourself daily. Remember the battle tools you’ve been given to stomp Satan’s flame as he may attack you in different forms. Sweet children of God, embrace these gifts the Lord has given you. Embrace the truth. Embrace your redemption. Most importantly, embrace and accept that anxiety was crushed for you by the mightiest King of Kings. Your battle was fought, your battle was won, you’ve been set free. Adorned with love, He crushed anxiety for you and for me!

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Written By: Grace