As we get older, we’ve learned that life has a way of shaking loose nearly every worry we try to tuck away. But when we think about the guidance found in Exodus 20:12–17—those instructions about honoring others, choosing integrity, staying truthful, and not grasping for what isn’t ours—we realize they aren’t just ancient rules. They’re steady anchors for the moments when anxiety tries to pull us off center. These reminders nudge us to focus on what matters, to stay grounded, and to stop letting every passing concern take up space in our minds. We’re discovering that half the battle is refusing to let stress move in before it even has a reason to show up.
Of course, finding calm doesn’t always come naturally. Some days, anxiety creeps in slowly; other days, it charges in without warning, and we struggle to keep our thoughts from spiraling. But each time we choose honesty over fear or contentment over comparison, something shifts inside. It feels like taking a deeper breath when the air feels tight. The commandments remind us to trust that a bigger plan is unfolding, even when we can’t see every detail. They encourage us to honor what is good, to practice gratitude, and to release the things that were never ours to carry. Little by little, we recognize that letting go isn’t giving up, it’s choosing peace over unnecessary weight.
As we lean into those timeless instructions, our anxiety doesn’t vanish, but its grip loosens. We move with more clarity, more intention, and more confidence, even when circumstances stay the same. And when our thoughts begin to race again, we return to the quiet truth that has steadied generations: choose what is right, trust what is good, and don’t let fear take the lead. Life may be imperfect, but we’re learning to walk through it with a calmer, steadier heart.
Reflection: This message reminds us that resisting anxiety isn’t about pretending things are easy, it’s about choosing values that keep us centered. When we anchor ourselves in honesty, gratitude, and trust, we find a steadier way forward, even in uncertain moments.