How Anxiety Can Rob Us of Our Blessings

Hey there, lovely friends! 🌸

Today, I want to talk about how easy it is to let our anxieties control our lives, and how by doing so, we can miss out on so many blessings. It's a topic that hit home for me after our recent women’s prayer group meeting.

Our speaker shared a powerful message about the impact of our thoughts and words. She reminded us that God is not a God of fear or anxiety. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Whenever we experience fear or anxiety, it's a signal that those feelings are not from God.

I’ve often found myself overwhelmed by anxiety. Sometimes it feels like these worries are taking control, and in those moments, it’s hard to see the blessings in front of me. But our speaker pointed out something profound: anxiety cannot coexist with gratitude. When we focus on gratitude, it shifts our perspective and anxiety loses its grip.

She encouraged us to change our thinking when anxiety starts creeping in. For example, if you’re stressed about a disobedient child, remind yourself how blessed you are to have a healthy child. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) tells us, "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."

Last night, I shared with the group how my anxieties often isolate me. I avoid socializing, especially in big groups, because of past hurts. I’ve built walls to keep people out, trying to avoid more pain. It’s sad to think about how many potential friendships and blessings I’ve missed because of these anxieties.

Even before last night's meeting, I almost didn’t go. Despite having a wonderful time at our first gathering, I was ready to bail. I was telling myself I didn’t fit in and that it was better to avoid getting hurt again. But then, God intervened. Just as I was about to message the host with my excuses, I saw a post from the speaker expressing her excitement for the night. It was the nudge I needed.

I went to the meeting, and it was exactly what I needed. Sharing my fears and struggles, I realized I wasn’t alone—many others felt the same way. It was a reminder of what a good and loving God we serve. Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) reassures us, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."

I am so grateful that God pushed me to step out of my comfort zone (yet again). It’s amazing how He uses simple moments to guide us. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, remember to shift your focus to gratitude. Count your blessings, no matter how small they seem. God’s peace will follow.

Let’s remember to lean on God, embrace gratitude, and not let anxiety rob us of the beautiful blessings He has for us.

With love and grace,

Sarah Jo