7 Things to Combat Waiting Anxiety

Waiting anxiety. When you know something is coming. You can feel it. You've been praying for it and  it feels like its right there. Just slightly out of your grasp. So close. Just not quite there yet.

You know its going to take time, you have already put in some blood, sweat and tears. But there are just somethings you have to wait for. Time, resources to build, other people to do their part; you just have to wait. And you have been waiting. Now you're beginning to feel anxious and antsy. In addition there have been a rash of things going wrong and other unpleasantries.

Yeah that's Waiting Anxiety. But we know that what God has in store for our lives will come to fruition soon. However that soon, seems to be taking forever. It is hard to wait. Some people make it look easy. Patience is not my strong suit. But God has made me aware of my anxious nature.

So I have come up with some ways to combat waiting anxiety!

1) Continue to look to Jesus.
Listen to your favorite preacher. Preferably one who is upbeat and happy. Skip the gloom and doom for now. I recommend grace and prosperity teachers.

Joseph Prince

Their energy and zeal will help you stay positive. Listen to a sermon or even just part of a sermon in the morning, first thing! I suggest making it your wake up alarm if you can. Or listen while you get ready. Also sneak in a snippet at lunch, even if only for 5 minutes. This can really help to reinvigorate you for the rest of the work day, especially if that day happens to be a Monday!

2) Continue to pray.
Some people may pray for something and believe, then don't pray for it again. The rationale is that you believe God heard you and you can move on. Others may pray for the same thing over and over again. Either way, just keep praying. Pray for everything. Just keep talking to God. Keep the communication lines open.

Praying Squirrel - Please send more acorns!

3) Speak blessings over other people.
One good way to really ease the waiting period and to take your mind off of you is to speak blessings over other people. Now I'm not saying go put your hand on some random strangers forehead, but as you are in line getting your grande double shot mocha, take note of the barista's name. As you walk away, ask God to bless them. Or just say to them "God bless you darling, I was in need of this sweet, dark goodness" as you gulp down your mocha.

4) Implore the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is with you. Always. Ask him to strengthen you as you wait. Ask for the gift of patient endurance. He will help you. He will show you how to be content, if not happy, in the delay. Don't know how, just sit back in your chair, take in a slow deep breath and say, "Thank you Holy Spirit for waiting with me, I know with you I can patiently endure." Then sit back up, you don't want the boss coming around thinking you're a slacker!

Philippians 4:6-7(NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

5) Make a gratitude list.
These are great for, like everything! When you feel down, berated, anxious, and grateful. It reminds you of what you have and keeps you focused on the good things. A positive mindset is an absolute necessity if you want to be successful in any area of life. So do it everyday anyway. Just make a short list, about 5 items, of what you are grateful for. This will really help to keep you in a positive mindset and it shows that you really don't have it all that bad.

6) Make a prayer list. 
Yes I know these are similar but I needed another bullet point. No really, Abraham, while waiting for his promise, prayed for other people to be fruitful. When we pray for other people even when things have manifested in our own lives we show faithfulness and trust in the Lord. So make a list of 5 people everyday and say a short prayer for them. Focusing on other people is a great way to relieve anxiety and get the focus off of yourself.

7) Get out. 
Get out of the house! Go do something for someone else. Help your friend paint her living room. Volunteer sometime at the literacy council. What ever it is just get out and do something, with a smile, and the goal of helping someone else. When you do things for other people you feel uplifted and positive. This will help to energize you as you wait for your manifestation.

Most of all, keep thanking God for his Son and for the leading of the Holy Spirit. Be thankful in your waiting and you will see the blessings manifest in your life.

Thanks for reading!