The Small Voice of Anxiety

Have you ever felt anxious from unnamed causes? “Unnamed” because there is nothing in particular causing the anxiety such as a difficult relationship, financial distress or some other specific cause. This anxiety manifests by that small voice inside of you saying you don’t feel quite right but aren’t sure why.

For me, this anxiety can even occur when things are going well in my life; nevertheless, I’m a bit unsettled, a little off. I’ve found comfort from the following passages; perhaps you might too:

Psalm 85:8 “I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people…”

But who are “his people?” Verse 9 explains that they are “those who fear him.” The word “fear” means to respect, not be afraid of.

And what is the “peace” being offered to those who respect God? Verses 10-13 imply that it is the feeling which springs from having faith in God that He will handle things, which we cannot.

This peace provides relief, having unburdened ourselves with anxiety and given it to Him. It is a peace which outweighs earthly pleasures that provide only temporary relief and can cause other problems.

My daughter has taught me how to seek this peace. She’s established a daily quiet time when she prays to God and journals her prayer as she prays it. Journaling, she says, helps eliminate distractions, enables her to hear God’s answer and gives her relief from any anxiety, named or unnamed.