If you’re living with low level, always on, background humming anxiety, then these FIVE verses from the Bible might help to open a window so we can say, “Bye bye, butterflies.”

Life limiting anxiety is no joke and I’ve no doubt the past few months has amplified this experience for many.

But most people – and this is my unqualified guess – are managing to crack on with life albeit carrying within their stomach the emotional equivalent of a fridge freezer; a low level, always on, background hum of worry.

Masks, the media and restricted movement combine to visually – and continually – remind us of the moment we live in. But they also jab away at our worry, leaving us feeling unsettled, causing us to try, once more, to shove the harsher parts of this reality to the back of minds. But as we shove it there, some of it lands on our tummy and the low level, always on, background hum of worry continues.

The Bible has a lot to say about worry, fear and anxiety. We need to bring its words to the front of our minds. And as we absorb these ancient headlines, we’re going to discover the headlines will become handles. Handles to open a window so we can say, “Bye bye, butterflies.”

# 1 – Our POV (point of view) Matthew 6 v 34

There’s a battle over fear, and here’s the two sides – has it happened v will it happen?

The majority of stuff we worry about are usually events we play out in our heads and are yet to happen. We spend so much of today’s headspace panicking about tomorrow and you know it – a lot of what we imagined never happens.

Listen to Jesus:

‘Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’

So maybe we have to rein back the panic and focus on the day we’re in.

# 2 – His PRESENCE Isaiah 41 v 10

I never had a big brother who would help fight my battles in primary school, but I did have a younger sister who did the job perfectly. Anyone who got in my face, she got in theirs, often literally – she would bite them!

We’ve all felt the calming presence of an ally in times of need and in this verse Isaiah is reminding Israel, there’s a big brother in the playground –

‘So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and hep you; I will uphold you with my right hand.’

Whether we feel Him or not, the simple truth is this: God is with you.

# 3 – The power of PRAYER Philippians 4 v 6

A problem shared is a problem halved or so they say, but imagine sharing your stuff with God!

Letting it out, opening your heart, expressing your fears out loud – it’s like letting a tyre down or watching a bouncy castle collapse. As your fears are aired in prayer, you feel lighter, freer and often your perspective has shifted towards a better hope.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’

So don’t just sit there, pray something.

# 4 – The right PEOPLE Proverbs 12 v 25

But who are the right people? What a great question.

For me, the right people (at least five of them) are the first five people you tell either good or bad news to. They’re the ones you ring or text anytime. Your go to people.

And when you’re worried, you need the right people. Here’s why –

‘Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.’

Short. Simple. Miraculous actually.

Often we don’t want to burden people with our worries. Sometimes we don’t want to seem weak.

But either way, its good to hang out with the favourite five and off load.

# 5 Receive His PEACE Colossians 3 v 15

Here’s the verse –

‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…’

I’ve never really acknowledged the opening word of this verse – ‘Let.’

I’m noticing it’s a doorway word. It’s a traffic light verse from heaven to earth. The implication is we have to ‘let’ or allow the peace God gives into our lives. And that means having to trust in everything else we’ve just read.

So what’s humming within you? Have you low level, always on, background humming anxiety? Why not stop what you’re doing right now and engage with God’s word and say, “Bye Bye, butterflies.