I am learning that anxiety has probably been the most destructive weakness in my life. And it stems from not trusting Gods promises of protection. Isaiah 41:8-10 are promises to all those who are called from the "farthest corners" so it includes all who believe in Jesus the messiah.
8But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This doesn't mean we never go through trials but it does mean that God helps us in them and delivers us from them.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Ps 34:19
There are many many other verses of promise of Gods protection.
Psalm 103 is one of my favorites..
1Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s...
I have found that putting the promises I need together on a piece of paper and going through them daily helps me to not doubt them.
Also studying the scriptures on the topics that trouble me and praying for Gods help in them until God does give me the full help I need is beyond life changing. Sometimes the path we think we have to avoid is actually the path that would be most helpful for us to take and we dont know it because we dont know the scriptures well enough.
It is however very important that we live without doing things that we believe are sin as it will bring judgement upon us.
But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Some other thoughts that might help..
I listen to Psalm 97, 23, 75, 147 and 103 daily for encouragement. Its about 10 minutes.
Also having a community of believers around you that love is extremely helpful. I used to think that denomination was the most important thing. I have learned that it is love. It doesnt matter what specific doctrines your church believes, if they dont have your back on the day you really need them then a church that would is better. I think that anyone in a very hard place that isnt getting the help they need in the church the go to should immediately start visiting other churches to find one where people will help them more.
Also we need to remember to give. There is always someone worse off then us and as we give the little of our time and energy that we are able it is pleasing to the Lord and it is fitting with what a follower of the Messiah is called to be. God gave His Son. Jesus gave His life. We should always be giving. That doesn't mean we have to sell our house but it does mean we should try to give a curtain percent of our gifts and energies toward helping others in need. It makes a difference in our lives.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Prov. 11:24
Hope it helps.
God help Healing with Jesus with the temptation they speak of. You see the situation send the help that is needed here. In Jesus Name we pray.
