How to Handle an Anxious Heart

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not!

Isaiah 35:4

Not too long after my first child was born, I applied to graduate school. Everything seem to be going in the right direction—I was accepted and most of school costs would be covered. However, I didn’t feel God’s peace about it. The more I prayed about it, the less assurance I felt about going back to school at that time. Eventually the Spirit brought to my mind a scene where I was on a tightrope with a large net under it. God spoke to my heart that He was my net if life should knock me off the tightrope.

Fast forward over 25 years and I’ve been knocked off that tightrope several times. However, each and everything time God has provided and protected me. I recently struggled with anxiousness for a short time (half a day) and God brought that same vision back to my mind. I realized that I was struggling with an anxious heart and I needed to pull out of it soon. I worked my way through it with the following 3 Rs—remember, resonate, and rest:

Remember God’s faithfulness in the past and present towards the future.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11)

Resonate my heart, mind, and spirit with the word of God.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)

Rest in the promises of God.
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

When I remember how God has always heard my prayers and taken care of me—I realized that I needed to have faith in Him to continue into my future. When I resonated my heart, mind, and spirit to God’s word that is always true, I sensed calm and peace take over. When I rested in the promises of God, I knew that everything was going to be alright.