A number of people generate their own anxiety. This is the result of the misuse of their imagination. The imagination is the God-given place of creativity and revelation. This is where we are able to see visions and birth inventive ideas. It serves as a blank canvass where architects develop their blue prints before they put them on paper. There is much potential found in there. In one sense, the imagination is neutral in that it can be used for either good or evil. Unfortunately, what God gives us for good can also be twisted for evil. The enemy of our soul seeks our destruction and employs many methods against us. Our imagination is the one thing he likes to use as a weapon if we allow him access.
In relation to anxiety, experience and perception greatly influence our imaginations. We filter so many things through our experiences and belief systems. We can even teach ourselves to be fearful by the things we take in. As long as people make the world their primary input, anxiety will have an easier time making its way in through their imaginations. For example, some love horror movies. They are addicted to the exhilaration of the adrenalin rush. They watch movies that make evil more powerful than good, then they wonder why the devil seems bigger than God. Some love watching bad news or listening to anything negative. They take their cues form the world on how to react to negativity, even to the point that they embrace fear as a friend. In fact, they come to expect anxiety as the normal part of life.
Some households are infested with anxiety. Family members are taught to be nervous at a young age. They are instructed to believe everything has a negative result. It is so normal to be anxious that if they see a person is peaceful in bad situations, he or she is weird or some kind of lunatic. They believe the responsible thing to do is to be anxious for their loved ones. If they do not feel some sort of dread when loved ones go through bad times, they donāt love them. Those who come from that background sometimes struggle with positive creativity. They may have brilliant ideas, but they are afraid to try them. Anxiety cripples their capacity to move forward. The idea of being free of anxiety looks like a science fiction movie on their mindās big screen.
If God called us to peace, why would anyone embrace fear and anxiety? If a person loves anxiety more than peace, they are going to have fun being with the God of peace. Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you (KJV). Some need to change their input. Do not expect to live a life of peace while embracing the things of the world. Romans 12:2 clearly states, āBe not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Godā (KJV). Do not be frustrated if you decide the worldās view of life is greater than Godās and you cannot find peace.
