“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

(James 1:5,6 NIV)

My Irish Setter Ruby, suffers anxiety in any unfamiliar situation. It grieves me to see her transformed from her normal exuberant and happy self into a quaking, shaking mess. 

Anxiety is not only limited to dogs however; we humans also have our share of anxious moments.  I had one recently when I traded my car for a different model.  Just thinking about the decision and all it entailed set my insides quivering.  What if I spend all this money and get a lemon, what would I do then?  How would I afford the repairs on my fixed income?   What if, what if, whirled around in my head.

Finally, I did make a choice, but my anxiety level remained high as I repeatedly went over my decision hoping it was a good one.  As so often happens, God dealt with my anxiety by prompting me to go for a walk.  As I walked, it came to me that I needed to review my decision step by step. Had I prayed for wisdom and guidance? Yes. Did I receive peace to move forward? Yes. Did the dealership I chose have a good reputation?  Yes. Had I calculated my finances before entering into the deal? Check.  Had I involved others who could help me think rationally and wisely about such a major purchase?  Yes.  In light of my review, I then needed to make another decision.  Was I going to trust that God had given me guidance and wisdom through each step of my decision, and that if there were future problems with the vehicle that he would guide me through them and supply all my needs or not?  Or was I going to doubt and continue to be like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind?  I chose the stress buster of belief and kept choosing it whenever my mind sought to return to doubting.  By so doing, my anxiety was relieved and I was able to begin to enjoy my new vehicle, for which I am truly thankful.

How about you?  Any stressful, anxiety ridden situations in your life today?  If so, ask God for wisdom to deal with them and then trust the wisdom you have received, for it’s a stress buster that will not fail.

Prayer:  Lord God, thank you that we can count on your wisdom which you give generously to all who ask. Then empower us by your Holy Spirit, to trust that wisdom which in turn is able to bust our stress levels which seek to keep us bound by anxiety.  In Christ’s name. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada