It keeps you stuck in the past or with a constant dread of the future, robbing you of the opportunity of enjoying and living in the present. It becomes difficult to remember small things, and your self-esteem takes a hit.
There are different forms, from social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder to panic disorder. Let us delve into overcoming anxiety with God and how your faith can come in.
Battling Anxiety with Faith
Fear is the root of anxiety. This ranges from fear of the unknown to personal fears—like the dread that crawls up your spine when you have to socialize, embarrassment when you’re in the spotlight, fear when starting a new job, or when there have been layoffs in your company, and you were one of those affected or cases where you have a bug in the house, and you’d rather burn it down than step a foot in it—to the fear of death.
Since we’re overcoming anxiety with God, what does He say about this?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
How much do you trust God? Faith that everything in your life happens according to God’s plan will help you sleep better at night. You may not know what the future holds, but you know who holds the future.
What about death itself? Well, for Christians, death is not the end. It is a stepping stone to the next stage of life. The ultimate goal of Christianity is to get you to your heavenly abode, which Christ has prepared for you. In fact, many Christians were driven to the faith while battling profound stress, and it gave their life purpose. We know our destination—so the path to get there shouldn’t worry us.
Your Christian Relationship And Overcoming Anxiety With God
Here are ways you can take on the anxiety, improve your quality of life, and sleep better at night:
- Take it to the Lord in prayer
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
It can be frustrating when you feel things are out of your control, and it often happens to things you care about. However, these words from Paul’s epistle will offer comfort.
As a Christian, you can acknowledge your anxiety, plead in your despair, and realize that you are not alone. This is a really popular passage from the Bible. Amazon data shows it is the most highlighted section of scripture in Kindle ebooks.
- Watch what you feed your mind
God doesn’t want us to walk through life with fear and worry. Giving your life to Christ is the first step in living anxiety-free. The instructions don’t stop there. What you focus your mind on is key, which takes us to the next bible verse about anxiety and stress:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”
Philippians 4:8-9
Paul here tells you what exactly you should focus your mind on, and it is applicable in today’s world with all its upheaval. Don’t dwell your thoughts on fear, illnesses, conspiracy theories, and the stream of anger and violence that are constantly making waves.
Billy Graham said historians would probably call our present era ‘The Age of Anxiety.’ Bible scholars largely agree that Paul composed Philippians while he was in prison. Paul’s rejection of anxiety during his imprisonment further shows the ever-present help we have from God in our lives, especially in our most trying moments.
- Peace be with you—Jesus On Anxiety
This is further encouraged by the very words of Jesus on anxiety and the battles we will face in John 14:26-27
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
So, when things get hard and your heart begins filling with anxiety, do not forget that Jesus is right with you, listening to you and addressing your needs. You don’t even have to shout or cry it out loud. He will hear even your silent prayers. With the Holy Spirit, our ever-present Helper, we are truly not alone.
- Taking care of your body
Your doctor recommends it, too. Exercising is one of the ways of overcoming anxiety. It leads to the release of feel-good endorphins that flood the body. It also takes your mind off your worries and those cycles of negative thoughts. You engage with more people, given that physical activities like morning runs, nature walks, and hitting the gym place you in social settings as you interact with others.
Moreover, it gives you confidence, especially as you get in shape and achieve your body goals. This is why 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 will also feature as a bible verse about anxiety and stress: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies“.
- Taking advantage of earthly resources
Contrary to popular opinion, science is not an enemy of belief. God has blessed the world with an assortment of resources that, through medicine and research, particularly help people battling different life conditions.
You’re not contravening your faith when you seek help from counselors and psychologists. In fact, it enables you to appreciate God more by being thankful for the resources He has provided for us.
- Nurture your belief
Making active steps to grow your faith will help you continue on your path of overcoming anxiety with God. Getting more into the Word, having a regular praying life, and attending church more to commune with fellow believers all have a part to play.
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