Tonight I kept seeing people that appeared to be squashed down by some invisible force. Their bodies were like boxes….some were so compressed they barely had any necks. Others were extremely hunched over. They all seemed so sad and discouraged. This was a picture of anxiety.

Prov 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression……

The “invisible force” of cares, fears, and sorrow, had become heavy burdens, weighing  down the people. They had become weak, as if all hope and joy had been squeezed out of them.

ANXIETY is defined as a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness; an emotional  response experienced in anticipating some undefined misfortune. Research reports that 40% of a person’s anxiety is focused on things that will never happen. 30% on things about the past that can’t be changed; 12% on things about criticism by others, mostly untrue; 10% about health, which gets worse with stress; and, only 8% is about real problems.

Clearly, worry is a waste of time….Jesus asked “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matt. 6:27   Why then is it so hard not to worry? With that thought, I suddenly saw a snake trying to wrap itself around peoples heads. Too strange…but it must mean something….. It does!

I found that the word “worry” comes from an old English word that means to “strangle or choke”. Amazing…so worry functions like a snake (it’s the python again), squeezing all hope and peace out of our mind and heart.

The snake’s bottom line hasn’t changed from its first appearance in the Garden of Eden. It’s agenda is to choke out what God has said. Prov 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,  But a good word makes it glad.

Truth is the real remedy for anxiety. A good word from God awakens the heart to new vision, hope, and peace! We have a God Who loves us and has promised He will never leave us or forsake us.

“For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.” Zeph.3:17

What are you anxious/worried about? What unknown fears are wrapped around you, strangling your hope…squeezing you into a panic attack?

Don’t let it happen….get your sword (the Word of God) and cut off the snake!