READ: PSALM 46:10; MATTHEW 11:28-29; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

Anxiety

A tidal wave

Pain showing through the cracks of my heart

Can’t think, can’t breathe yet breathing too much

Can’t speak, yet speaking incessantly

Grasping for sanity, for peace, for air

My heart pounding like a bass drum

Can’t catch my breath, fix myself, calm these nerves

Yet through the chaos, tears, torrential fear,

He whispers:

BE STILL

Fear not, My beloved, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are Mine

This moment will pass,

A breath in light of eternity

Though you can’t see, the end is coming

I will calm your clenched fists, your clenched heart

Cling to Me, and I will give your soul rest

Rest • Amanda Rose

• We all feel anxious from time to time. Thankfully, Jesus knows how we feel because He experienced anxiety too, and He wants to help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). In fact, He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us, and He promises that one day anxiety will be gone for good. Do you have any favorite Bible verses that help you when you feel anxious?

• God wants to help us in lots of ways, not only through prayer and Scripture, but also through other people, such as friends, parents, pastors, and medical and mental health professionals. When you find yourself feeling anxious, who is a trusted adult you could talk to?

• If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 (CSB)