There is a place in the deep recesses of the Wasteland known as the Land of Anxiety. It is home to those who suffer from the ‘What If’ disease and where they go to sulk, stress and worry. It is no exaggeration to say that its inhabitants are prisoners whose lives are void of freedom and joy. 

Sounds terrible, right! Unfortunately, the story gets worse. You see, those living in the Land of Anxiety often become Anesthesizers. An Anesthesizer is someone who depends on substances, practices or habits to escape the reality of one’s angst.  Promising direction and relief, this type of dependency sadly leads nowhere and ends up furthering one’s pain and fear! Sadder still, it draws one away from the One who could lead the way and alleviate the worry!

When it comes to being an Anesthetizer, the world is not necessarily our friend.  It often tells us through its advertising and media blitz that substances such as drugs and alcohol for example, are makers and markers of the good life. Now, I’m not saying these things in and of themselves are bad. They have their purpose and place in certain situations, but proper use and moderation are key. Using them to anesthetize ourselves from life and living are not proper or moderate uses.    

I know. I get it. I’ve been there. For many years, I’ve lived as an Anesthetizer in the Land of Anxiety who used certain substances to avoid reality in an effort to sweep problems under the rug.  In my case, the vicious cycle of dependency and despair lead me to build and define a life based on lies about myself and others.  Not a good formula for success!  My delusion was finally exposed in August 1994 when I gave my heart to God and became a believer in his Son.  The next words I heard resonating in my being were, “No more, stop altering your mind and learn to talk to me!”  That day I quit my life as an Anesthesizer, walked out of the Land of Anxiety and have never looked back.

Maybe you have already come to the conclusion that living as an Anesthetizer in the Land of Anxiety is not who and where you want to be, and are therefore looking for a better way. For others, you are a committed Anesthetizer and are struggling with dependency issues of all kinds. You may even feel like there is no escape and are destined for a life of hopelessness and despair.

For everyone seeking or needing a way out, I’m here to share some good news. The same God who freed me can free you! All it takes is recognizing your need for Him, saying “no more” to the anesthetizers in your life, and learning to depend on Him.  God’s Word teaches us two very important truths. First, we are not to worry but rather to cast our worries on our Loving Heavenly Father who cares for us and knows what we need, and second, to not fall under the influence of mind altering substances, practices and habits but rather to be filled with and guided by His Spirit.  Why?  Because, we are powerless to leave the Land of Anxiety and abandon the anesthetizers that we have depended on to cope with our plight. We need God to intervene and empower us to do so.  So from this moment onward commit to God all your cares and worries and depend on Him to carry you above your burdens.  You’ll feel a lot lighter and finally experience a Garden focused life filled with freedom and joy. Count on it!

Dario L. Perla