During the times when I’ve been so crushed by pain that my life has been derailed by anxiety, this Psalm has given me clarity: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬) Why this Psalm? What does “any wicked way in me” have to do with my “anxious thoughts?”

We must be mindful of the connection between sin and anxiety. God is not anxious or fearful about anything–but–He IS righteous. Our sin separates us from Him and opens us up to anxiety. Thus, anything in our heart which is a deviation from the righteousness of God, is a destructive force which destroys our peace and security. God promises: “Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:33) In fact, even the state of being anxious separate us further from God because we are doubting His character. Sometimes sin is so sneaky that we are ignorant of it and we must ask God to show us. Therefore, the remedy is to ask God to “search our heart” so He may reveal anything unrighteous within us.

Until we’re willing to be honest with ourselves about our sin, we’ll never be free of it. Once we identify it, we must determine to hate it so as to rid ourselves of its destructive force within our heart. As sin’s darkness departs, the light of God’s presence shine into our heart and dispels anxiety. God frees us to live a life greater than we can imagine! Job said: “As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.” (Job 5:8-9) Anxiety is a symptom of the cancer of sin for which only the peace of God’s presence can cure. His love gives us secure freedom

From the book, “Essential Faith” Volume 2 available on Amazon by clicking HERE .