Pray Away Your Anxiety

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

One week into this year, I experienced the onslaught of an anxiety attacks. Yes, anxiety visited me and tried to run me down!

The enemy exploited a change in my business situation which required me to change course and direction. It was not an unexpected change although it was a major one for me. In fact, it is to be a change for the better.

However, I felt restless, worried and inadequate. I became more and more anxious. Despite having constantly tasted God's goodness and plenteous blessings, I was imagining the future negatively. The bombardments were for real.

What is amazing is that throughout that period, Abba Father sent His encouragement through so many ways that His assurances and instructions were much louder than anxiety's blasts.

Through a few unrelated quiet time articles from different writers, pulpit messages and scriptures, Abba Father spoke to me gently and assuredly. His message was simple:

"Bring your complaints to Me like David did." Psalm 39

"Wait upon Me, I care for you." Psalm 40:1-3

"Call to Me, I will answer you." Jeremiah 33:3

"Pray for all things and at all times." Philippians 4:6

"Renew your strength." Isaiah 40:31

I literally went up to the mountain in solitude to pray to Him. I went to Kent Ridge Park one afternoon, plug my iPod playing worship songs into my ears, sat in quiet contemplation and simply waited upon Him.

When I was just about getting into His presence, raindrops started to fall. I complained to Him, "Father, I came here to be with You, surely You can hold the rain and let me come in to Your presence." It was an instant answer. The drizzle stopped.

After about 10 minutes, it began to rain. I felt disappointed. I took my stuff and started to walk towards my car, wanting to just sit in it to wait for rain to stop. On my way, I complained again, "Father, I came here to seek You, and I am determined not to leave this place even if it rains."

With that, I walk towards the highest point in the park where there was a shelter. I wanted to continue my seeking there. As the reached the shelter, the rain stopped abruptly. It did not rain again throughout the solitude time I spent with God.

Not only did Abba Father met me, He totally assured me of His presence and gave me the peace of waiting on Him and trusting that He cares for me.

I attended Saturday's church service and a visiting speaker from Vietnam shared a simple but pertinent message; "In all things, under all circumstances big or small, pray to God." It was another confirmation for me.

Anxiety visited me and tried to run me down. Praying drove it far away. Hallelujah!

Dear beloved, we all ought to pray always.

God bless.

Steven