Nothing to worry about
What if that phrase were true – anxiety completely eradicated? Not only in isolated situations, but for good?
A worry-free state of mind isn't an impossibility. But it takes more than longing or willpower to permanently erase anxious feelings. What's needed is a willingness to think deeply about the nature of God and His children and to embrace absolute truths about our Maker that are potent and meaningful right where we are.
Take, for example, the Bible's assertion "God is love" (I John 4:8). A short statement, but one filled with spiritual meaning. God is so much more than a Supreme Being who cares for us in times of fear. God as Love itself actually excludes fear by His very nature, always keeping us in His omnipotent care.
What makes this truth more than a comforting abstraction? A heart turned to God as divine Love can feel His present power. Praying this way replaces concern with confidence, fearlessness, and poise, even before circumstances change. And our newly awakened spiritual authority also removes whatever is worrisome.
Nearly every spiritual healing includes this kind of dominion over fear. In countless instances – from health issues and dwindling resources to public safety and misunderstandings with friends – anxiety has been effectively destroyed.
Here's one example: After a somewhat lengthy negotiation for the sale of their home, a couple learned that a legal demand was being made that seemed impossible for them to meet. Only three days remained before money was to change hands, and the buyers threatened to walk away from the deal.
The situation was a nail-biter. Options such as delaying the move and relisting the home in a buyer's market seemed unworkable and scary. Would another buyer come forward? How long would it take? Could the couple carry two mortgages in the meantime?
A call to a Christian Science practitioner, requesting prayer about the situation, redirected their thought to God. This mental turning wasn't an intellectual exercise, but a prayer-based desire to reach beyond a limited human situation to the infinite source of all good. Right where the troubling condition appeared, the practitioner assured them, God was mandating harmony for His entire creation, including both parties in the transaction.
A scriptural promise captures the reassurance they felt: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Ps 46:1, 2). Monitor founder Mary Baker Eddy echoed this message with a description of God as "Love which is faithful, an ever-present help in trouble, which never deserts us" ("The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," p. 167).
Considering God to be the only real intelligence and might – and understanding His will to be entirely good – enabled the couple to trust Him with their welfare. They proceeded with preparations for the move, refusing to feel afraid. Within a day, the buyers' agent called to report that his clients had decided to withdraw their demand, and the sale went forward without a hitch.
"Nothing to worry about" can become more than a temporary assertion that everything will be OK. With spiritual understanding, our take on life becomes expectant and assured. No matter what challenges we face, we can feel the authority of Christ Jesus' words, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
When I said, My foot slippeth;
thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me
thy comforts delight my soul. Psalms 94:18, 19
