Overcoming Anxiety and Strife and Things Happening All Around Us
Seasons of uncertainty have a way of creating anxiety and strife in us.
Do you feel it? I sure do.
In recent years, I have felt a little like the woman in Proverbs thirty-one. Those emotions create this desire in me to take care of my household.
Never mind that my nest is empty, and the kids are grown. It doesn’t matter that I work from home and have more time on my hands than the normal person {which is a myth, by the way}.
“She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household…” Proverbs 31.14-15 (ESV)
Suddenly, I’m awake at two in the morning thinking of the food items and paper products we need to stock up on. Hoarding is not really my style, but I do think it’s wise to have some extra on hand if your budget allows.
Not long ago, I had a conversation with my husband. I mentioned we might need to have a surplus of things in case this issue with ‘supply and demand’ continues to escalate. He asked what kind of items and I said, “Oh, things like rice, beans, canned tuna and chicken.” He responded, “Yeah, that’s probably not a bad idea.”
Then, I fell headlong into a diatribe about how it’s also good to keep a few packages of quick-rising yeast in the pantry in case we can’t find bread. I could tell by the look on his face, he was thinking, “Well, hopefully it won’t come to that…” because he’s never known me to be a bread baker in all the forty years we’ve been married.
Who is struggling with feelings of anxiety and strife? I continue my daily Bible study, and encourage myself in the faith. All along, I pray with intention, asking for help from the Lord. Still, when I least expect it, I’m up in the middle of the night concerned that we won’t be able to find a loaf of sandwich bread on the store shelves.
The theme I chose to write in my journal-keeping book for this month is ‘focus heart and mind on Jesus’. It is helping me. There’s space at the top of the page for me to write that phrase—every day. So, I write it, and I'm reminded to turn my heart toward Him and keep my mind on His promises.
“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28.20b (ESV)
What I am reminded of, every day, is that it takes work and discipline to focus on Jesus instead of what’s happening all around me.
Because I have been feeling the struggle, I am making a conscious effort to overcome this anxiety and strife. In the process, I'm asking God to grow me and strengthen me in trust and dependency on Him.
After praying for help from the Lord, here are steps I felt Him leading me to take—adjustments I needed to make. You may find something on the list you need to grab hold of, as well.
Ways to Help Overcome Anxiety and Strife
#1 – Stay away from current news information sources. We may not be able to block it out entirely, and I do realize it is good to be aware of what is going on. For me, the constant infiltration of negative, combative, and divisive news creates more anxiety and strife. So, I’m doing what I can to reduce my absorption of the news.
#2 – Unfollow accounts on social media or email inbox. This may not be an issue for you, but I came to a point where I needed to unfollow certain accounts that were continually sharing and spouting the negative, combative, divisive communication. Enough is enough, sometimes. You, like me, may need to let some accounts go by the wayside.
#3 – Re-evaluate daily routines & create consistency. In the past month, I have been re-evaluating so much of how my day plays out. My daily journal allows space to record what I’m grateful for, and how I can do better tomorrow. I’ve also been writing out a daily ‘to-do’ list for both work and home tasks. This seems to help me keep focus and reduce anxious feelings.
#4 – Spend time with family. Over the past few months, we have spent more time with our little family than in previous years. We’ve been enjoying just hanging out, sharing a meal, celebrating birthdays, and watching the grandsons play together. I find peace in these moments and realize how easy it is to take family time for granted. If you do not live close to family, schedule weekly Zoom or FaceTime visits to catch up and laugh together.
#5 – Listen to worship music. Normally, I do not listen to music while I’m working in my office. It is distracting for me to have it playing at my computer. Recently, I began using the Pandora app on the main television in our family room to play worship music throughout the day. I keep the level low while working in the next room. It sets a tone of worship and shalom across the house as I go about my day, and I love it.
#6 – Read and/or Listen to Scripture. I’m learning, in times like these, how important it is to keep God’s Word front and center. How encouraging it is to remember that nothing surprises Him. He is completely aware of what is happening around us. Jesus Christ is still King overall, and the Holy Spirit is with us. Keep the promises of His Word before you to combat those feelings of anxiety and strife.
Are you struggling with all that is going on in our world?
If so, I encourage you to consider adding one or two of these practices to your daily life. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference in clearing the mind and redirecting your thoughts toward the Lord.