Getting anxious while you wait

In this edition I want to talk about getting anxious while you wait. In most cases as I said we wait for something or someone for a short period of time and if anything, we might get impatient but not anxious. For example, we might be in a queue for groceries and we can see that we will get there soon because we are the second or third person in the queue but what about the times when we wait but we cannot see where we are in the queue. You may be looking for a job and after filling one application after another and no job offer anxiety may start kicking in or you may have been waiting for a life partner and nothing has happened. These are just a few examples of situations where we may find ourselves waiting but we do not know where we are in the queue and the not knowing can give room to anxiety.

How should we handle these situations whilst we are waiting?

First of all, it is important to reflect on all the past situations where you have waited for something that you could not see where you were in the queue but it all worked out in the end. Whatever anxiety you experienced in those past situations you later found out that it was for nothing, you just needed to relax which of course is easier said than done but your anxiety did not change the situation. This is one of the most important thing to remember, worrying or being anxious about something or someone does not change the situation instead it impacts on your mental health, sometimes negatively.

Secondly, occupy yourself while you wait. We all know how hard it is to clock watch when you need to go somewhere or do something. Time seems to stand still or drags. It is important to keep busy whilst waiting for that job offer or the business opportunity. Do something to keep you from getting anxious while you wait. Start a new hobby, check out free courses to enhance yourself or do charitable work. Learning a new skill will enhance your potential with a new employer or sponsor. Trust that it will not be in vain and most importantly, it will stop you from being anxious.

Lastly I cannot end this edition without referring to one or two of the bible verses which talks about waiting. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”  As believers and follower of Jesus Christ we are encouraged to wait on God to make the way, open the door, lead and direct us. It comes back to what you can control and what you cant. Try not to be anxious about the things you cannot control, trust that God who is in control knows what you need and He will make the way. And Micah 7:7 says "But as for me, I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me."

As I conclude I want to encourage you that you are not alone, there are many others in similar situations waiting for something significant. I have been and I am in a situation where I am waiting for something significant but I am keeping myself busy as I wait. I am also listening to what I believe God wants me to occupy myself with in this time of waiting. I have learnt new skills and done free courses which can enhance what I do and will do.

As usual I would love to hear what you are doing in your waiting period.