By Robin Wiley
Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high the world over. Each day could bring a new anxiety or challenge which only causes us to freeze in moving forward in our lives. Most of the counseling appointments I have seen this past year have been related to depression or anxiety issues. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) reports that 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness and 1 in 6 U.S. youth (ages 6-17) experience some sort of mental health disorder each year.[1] All these numbers have increased over the past two years since the isolation from the pandemic. There is hope! Look to God’s sovereign Word to sustain you through these tough times.
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV).
May you find these prayers comforting, encouraging, and hopeful in your life this week!
O my Lord and Savior,
in Your arms I am safe.
Keep me and I have nothing to fear...
I know nothing about the future,
but I rely upon You.
I pray that You would give me what is good for me...
If You bring pain or sorrow on me,
give me grace to bear it well—
keep me from fretfulness and selfishness.
If You give me health and strength and success in this world, keep me always on my guard lest these great gifts carry me away from You.
O Christ, You died on the Cross for me,
even for me, sinner as I am.
Help me to know You,
to believe in You,
to love You,
to serve You,
to always aim at bringing You glory,
to live to and for You.
~ St, John Henry Newman (1801–1890)
Make my body healthy and agile,
my mind sharp and clear,
my heart joyful and contented,
my soul faithful and loving...
Above all let me live in Your presence, for with You all fear is banished
and there is only harmony and peace.
Let every day combine the beauty of spring, the brightness of summer,
the abundance of autumn,
and the repose of winter.
And at the end of my life on earth,
grant that I may come to see and know You in the fullness of Your glory.
~ St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
These are strange and difficult times around the world. It’s human and normal to feel fear and anxiety. But, our prayers reach the throne of Heaven! God is listening. Tell Him your thoughts and concerns. He is working on your behalf even before you utter a word.
PRAYER:
Father God – thank you for declaring that “you know the plans you have for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future.” Thank you for breathing life into my story with your grace, love and mercy. I love you. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus – Amen.
[1] NAMI, “Mental Health By Numbers – 2020-2021” https://www.nami.org/mhstats