When Anxiety is Overwhelming

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

—PSALM 94:19

It’s comforting to me to know that many of the men and women of faith in the Bible wrestled with fear. “Anxiety was great” within them, just as it can be within me.

As moms, we know exactly what it means to console a frightened or anxious child. Sometimes the anxiety is for good reason: a child is overwhelmed with homework or is worried about making new friends. Other times the anxiety is unwarranted, such as a fear of the dark. Whatever fuels it, the anxiety can feel “great” within our kids, just as it can within us. So as a mom who has experienced anxiety, you know what it means to console. Your calming, reassuring, and encouraging words and presence brings comfort where there is anxiety.

I love Psalm 94:19 because it reminds me we have a Father who offers His consolation to us. He replaces our anxiety with joy. He quiets our fears with His presence. He whispers to us His words of truth and encourages us with His faithful promises. And most of all, He gently turns our eyes back to His own Son, as if to say, “I didn’t forsake Him; I won’t forsake you. If you are in Him, I am with you.”  

Is anxiety great within you today? Do your circumstances seem impossible? Does the future seem overwhelming? Has fear stifled your faith, stopping you in your tracks? Whatever you’re facing today, be encouraged that in Christ, God is with you. You have a Father who is good. Whatever feels as if it is spinning out of control is in His hands. Be reminded that He is wise, loving, and faithful! Let your anxious thoughts be turned to joy because of God’s consolation.

Lord, You are my Father, but You are also my King. You reign and rule over all things. Take my anxiety and turn it into trust. Replace my fear with faith. Console me with Your promises. I know that there is nothing in my life that has not first passed through Your love. Help me rest in that truth today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings,

Ruth

Excerpted with permission from The Better Mom Devotional by Ruth Schwenk, copyright Ruth Schwenk.