Anxiety has no place in our life

Sad to say, there is an increasing number of cases of anxiety around the world. More and more people seem unable to handle the pressures and the problems in life, and some of them have plunged to the extreme situations of losing their mind and committing suicide.

It's sad because in the first place anxiety and all forms of undue worries and fear really have no place in our life. The whole problem stems from the fact that many people do not anymore have a living relation with God who assures us with all the security we can have even in our worst conditions.

How many assurances have we received from Christ as recorded in the gospel and yet we still manage to fall into useless and destructive anxieties? To mention a few, we have the following:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (Jn 16,33)

"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Mt 6,25.33)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt 11,28-29)

"Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (Jn 14,27)

St. Paul reiterates the same idea in many instances. To cite one:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4,6-7)

We have to let go of our own estimation of things, and while always asking for God's grace and making our due effort, let us conform our mind and heart to the reassuring words of Christ. God is always in control. His providence is always wise and can draw good from the evil that we can find ourselves in.

It's important to be rid of anxieties so that we can give our full attention to what we are supposed to do, that is to do a lot of good out of love for God and for everybody else. These anxieties do not help us any. They only make things worse.

We have to remember that Christ has already resolved everything for us, including death and all the other problems we have that do not have any more human solutions.

In many instances in the gospel, Christ told his disciples not to be afraid of him when he made some mysterious appearances to them as when he walked on water (cfr Mt 14,22-33) or when he appeared to them after his resurrection.

This is the hurdle we have to overcome. Christ always intervenes in our life, either in a hidden way or quite openly. In any case, we should be certain of this truth, and act accordingly. Let us not be afraid of him. He is the one who will conquer all our anxieties, worries, and fears.

‘We have to let go of our own estimation of things, and while always asking for God's grace and making our due effort, let us conform our

mind and heart to the reassuring words of Christ’