Psalms 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
What do you do when anxiety becomes great within you? If you are anything like me you probably drown in the emotions and stress of what feels unbearable. I admit I do not handle anxiety very well. I know how I SHOULD respond, but most of the time I don’t do those things.
Hopefully this is not you. Take a look at the second half of the verse: “your consolation brought me joy.” Your consolation. Consolation is something provided to a person who has suffered, that makes them feel better. In this case, God is providing comfort that brings joy to someone suffering through anxiety.
When facing anxiety our response should not be the emotional one. We should turn to Him and meditate on His Word. There is consolation in the promises in the Bible, peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Consolations cheer our souls when our hearts are overwhelmed (Psalms 94:19). We know we are not to be anxious and to give it to God (Philippians 4:6). We should be delighted knowing the peace of Christ rules within us (Colossians 3:15). Peter speaks of grace and peace that are abundantly ours (2 Peter 1:2). Plus there are so many more Scriptures offering hope to the downhearted..
When anxiety creeps in, stop and pray. Do not let negative thoughts lead to anxiety. Stop them as soon as they enter your mind (2 Corinthians 10:5). Pray. Give them to God. Focus instead on the good in your life (Philippians 4:8). Think of all of the blessings He has rained down upon you.
Knowing His Word helps remind you of these promises. Memorizing Scripture can help you quickly replace those negative thoughts with His promises. By doing this we can take comfort and experience joy from His consolations.
You are a conqueror (Romans 8:37). You have the power, Christ’s power, to cast your anxieties far from you. He is always with us (Isaiah 43:2; Psalms 94:14) and always will be. Feel His loving arms wrapped around you. Feel the joy He gives as you are being consoled.
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