Apprehension...What does it really mean?

Recently I was in prayer and could not put my finger on exactly what I was feeling. I asked God what this was, and I heard in my spirit, “Apprehension." While I knew what the word meant, I knew God was implying a deeper meaning than my understanding. I looked up “apprehension” and found these definitions:

1. anticipation of adversity or misfortune; suspicion or fear of future trouble or evil.
   
2. the faculty or act of apprehending or understanding; perception on a direct and immediate level.
   
3. acceptance of or receptivity to information without passing judgment on its validity, often without complete comprehension.
   
4. a view, opinion, or idea on any subject.
   
5. the act of arresting; seizure
   

    I was right. I was only thinking of the term “apprehension” from the unhealthy perspective of the first definition: being uneasy about what is around the corner in my life. God spoke to me from each of the definitions. He doesn’t want me to worry about what’s ahead, but He wants me to be excited about what He has yet to unfold for me and to trust Him. Secondly, the very act of praying and seeking Him is the avenue by which I receive His perspective and understanding. Thirdly, He wants me to willingly receive His revelation without judgment, even before I completely comprehend. The fourth definition reminds me to exchange my perspective for God’s perspective since His perspective is the ultimate truth. Finally, I prayed that God would apprehend or arrest my negative apprehension and give me positive apprehension. As I pondered this further, I realized that this approach allows me to experience life at every step along the journey instead of just focusing on reaching the finish line. And then I can rise up and apprehend or arrest the enemy for taking what is mine!

So the next time you feel anxious about something, I challenge you to let it be a reminder for you to ask God to "apprehend" your apprehension and give you HIS apprehension (understanding)!