Anxiety is an annoying emotion that seems to creep in daily for me. We all carry heavy burdens and I am certainly no exception. Running a business, leading my family, creating revenue that supports my employees, being an example for my kids, providing the best service possible for my customers and the list goes on. It is very easy to get consumed by the worries of the day and those worries to linger day after day. A few months ago my eyes were opened to Jesus. And from that day I have used my limited free time to study God’s word, to understand the purpose behind Jesus’ life and sacrifice and to seek clarification between fact and fiction. I am so pleased to know the validity of the scripture. I no longer have a need to question the authenticity as many before me have taken the time to seek and share evidence. I am like everyone else. I live in a time that lines are blurry between truth and lies, good and evil. Now that I know God’s word to be true and that it is provided not for interpretation but for literal guidance I can now battle my own demons of anxiety, doubt and anger. I want to share a few verses this morning to hopefully provide you the same peace of mind. And I urge you to not only read them but to then open your Bible and read the entire chapter or even the entire book that they are from to get a full context. And speak to God. Ask that He speak not only to your mind but to your heart. Ask for some calmness in your life regardless of your trials and tribulations. Even if you find yourself not believing he still loves you and is waiting for you so that he can be your light in a dark world.

Psalm 27:1. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?”

Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Isaiah 41:10. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Matthew 11:28. “Then Jesus said ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”

John 14:27. “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Philippians 4:6-7. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 1:7. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and discipline.”