The
unprecedented conversation turns on in our head;
What
if I fail?
What if it doesn’t work out?
What if I get disappointed?
What
if they change their mind?
What
if they don’t love or accept me?
What
if they …
What
if it…
What
if I…
What
if she….
What
if he…
What
if we….
Then
our hearts begin to pound faster than usual, belly tightens up, palms sweat
profusely, sadness and gloom cloud our hearts as though the “what if” already
happened.
Read: Things to remember when feeling unqualified for your calling
Read: Things to remember when feeling unqualified for your calling
I
have had several what if moments. Many happened, others didn’t. However, I have learnt that getting a what-if
conversation going on in my head is not as important as what I do with it.
Losing
our peace, joy after a what-if conversation isn’t God’s will for us. It definitely
isn’t want you want either.
Read: How to maximise the present
Read: How to maximise the present
Anxiety
grips our heart when we envisage that an event in the future might turn out in
an unpleasant way. Since we can’t often
control what happens in the future, how do we handle the waiting period between
the what-if and the actual occurrence (or not) of our expectations?
1. Track it
I’ve
had several times when a what If was my mind’s way of prepping me before the
arrival of a shocking news or event. I learnt to track my thoughts and treat
them as an opportunity to prepare for the unwanted. So rather, than sweat in
fear, take the mental suggestion as an expo in how to respond should it happen.
2. Face it : I know how we often want to say, “God forbid” that can’t be me. Yeah, It can’t be you nor others but it definitely would be someone. So what if it is you? That’s the question your mind is trying to ask. Therefore, sweeping it underneath the carpet isn’t the best thing to do. Acknowledge the fear, concern or root of worry and admit that you feel whatever emotion is in there.
3. Release it: As a model for release, some people pray, some people journal, others talk to people about it. I do all three and more. Just do what works for you. However one effective way to release anxiety is to talk to God about it.
2. Face it : I know how we often want to say, “God forbid” that can’t be me. Yeah, It can’t be you nor others but it definitely would be someone. So what if it is you? That’s the question your mind is trying to ask. Therefore, sweeping it underneath the carpet isn’t the best thing to do. Acknowledge the fear, concern or root of worry and admit that you feel whatever emotion is in there.
3. Release it: As a model for release, some people pray, some people journal, others talk to people about it. I do all three and more. Just do what works for you. However one effective way to release anxiety is to talk to God about it.
The Philippians 4:6-7 model is such a perfect expeller of anxiety when followed accurately. It says,
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)”
So a what-if hits
your head/heart rather than let anxiety ruin the moments of Joy in your life,
what do you do?
1. Pray: Express your wishes
2. Supplicate: State you specific heartfelt need/desire/expected outcome
3. Give thanks: Thank Him for the outcome (all things works for your good remember?) regardless of how it plays out in the end.
1. Pray: Express your wishes
2. Supplicate: State you specific heartfelt need/desire/expected outcome
3. Give thanks: Thank Him for the outcome (all things works for your good remember?) regardless of how it plays out in the end.
The
reward? Peace that is way beyond your view would encapsulate your mind and
heart.
Read: God hasn't got amnesia
Read: God hasn't got amnesia
So
the next time anxiety knocks on the door, track it, face it and release it
using the Philippians 4:6 model
Committed
to your fulfilment
Sure! The Phil. 4:6 model definitely works for me too, everytime.
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