Free Will Versus Anxiety

My quiet time with God this morning was spent focusing on the blessing God has given us through the incredible gift of free will. Specifically as it relates to anxiety. Something we’ve all struggled with at one time or another. Applying free will to situations that cause anxiety means we are free to choose how we feel and react in these situations. In other words…we’re in control of our feelings… the situation isn’t in control. We must not give anxiety (the fear of the unknown) that kind of control!

Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matt. 6:25-26)

The Greek word for “anxious” in this passage means “distracted.” It refers to uncertainty, that unsettling feeling (or worry) of not knowing what’s next. Many people live their lives in this state of worry, believing there’s no other way to exist but in fear and doubt. They literally worry themselves to death.

If this sounds familiar, I urge you to read the passage again. Jesus’ words aren’t merely suggestions; they’re commands. Anxiety isn’t something that’s automatically created by our circumstances. It’s our response to those circumstances that gives birth to anxiety. 

Remember, our ability to choose is a divine gift of free will. We can choose how we feel, how we react, and what we focus on. God doesn’t want us to be anxious; He allows us to experience various situations to strengthen our faith in Him. He wants us to trust and obey Him, knowing that He has our best interests at heart and will bless us abundantly.

When we face challenging circumstances, we have a choice. We can either fall into patterns of worry and fear, or we can trust that God has a plan for our lives. We can focus on His promises and believe that He will deliver us from anxiety before it even begins to take hold.

Choosing to trust in God over succumbing to anxiety isn’t easy, but it’s a powerful step in personal development and spiritual growth. By consciously deciding to trust in God’s plan, we can live a life free from the chains of worry and filled with peace and confidence in His provision.

Bottom Line Y’all…

The next time you find yourself on the brink of anxiety, remember that you have the power to choose. Choose faith over fear. Choose trust over doubt. Choose to believe that God is in control and that He will see you through every challenge. Embrace the freedom that comes from trusting in God’s plan for your life and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.