Three weeks ago, a good friend called me from his vacation to say his PSA had jumped from 4-5 to 8-9 within a few months. My friend was a Christian who definitely had a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. But he was very anxious as we probably all would be or have been at one time. He and I prayed and after a few days of consideration, my friend obtained an ultrasound-guided biopsy. Fortunately in his case, his 12 samples all came back negative for prostate cancer. But his experience reminded me again of the following devotional entitled “Anxiety” from Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries which could apply at some time or other to anyone with health problems including cancer. The scripture text was Matthew 6:25, “do not worry about your life”.
“Has anxiety become a way of life for you? Are you living in a constant state of uncertainty and worry? Fear will arise whenever you respond to a problem or troubling situation on your own-without going to God first and seeking His help and power. The Lord gives you the gift of free will-you can choose what you do, how you feel, what you think about, and even how you’ll respond when faced with a problem.” Personally, anxiety is a signal that I must pray. Peace is a sign that I have given it all over to God. I am to pray until I have God’s peace according to Philippians 4:6-7 (‘let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.’)
With this in mind, the Father may allow an overwhelming situation to arise in your life in order to develop and strengthen your faith, mature you spiritually, or to change a bad habit or negative attitude. Through your circumstances, He gives you the opportunity to seek Him, trust Him, obey Him and cast your care into His able hands. Therefore, understand your anxiety is an indication that you need God. Every time you sense fear rising up within you, go to your all-powerful, infinitely-wise Father. And give Him thanks that He is at work, teaching you to trust Him more, obey Him faithfully, and receive more of His blessings. A sample prayer could be ‘Father, I won’t be anxious for You are with me. Thank you for releasing me from this bondage of fear, amen.’ In His presence….find freedom from anxiety.”