Addressing Anxiety

Life can give us reason to worry, to be fearful, or to be anxious. However, the fears of our current world are temporary, and we should focus on eternity. When tempted to worry, be fearful, or be anxious, fight against that temptation to sin.

[by Jeremy Johns]

Remind yourself of Scripture and who God is

  • Psalm 23:1-6; 27:1; 55:22; 56:3-4; 91:1-16
  • Lamentations 3:22-23     
  • Philippians 4:6-7
  • 2 Timothy 1:7

Take some time away; regroup/focus

You may need to change your normal routine and get alone with God.  Taking a break with the encouragement and company of a trusted friend can help you combat fear and worry, too.  If possible, go to a place away from your normal.

Pray

Tell God how you are feeling and what you are thinking.  He desires to meet us where we are.

Make a list of fears/worries/sin and how trusting God can overcome fears

Make two columns.  On one side of the page write what you are worried about.  On the other side write Scripture, one of God’s attributes, or truth that combats the fear you have.  Examples:

I don’t have the proper skills for this task. // God uses the weak.  His grace is sufficient.

How are we going to make ends meet financially // God is Jehovah-jireh, the God who provides

I can’t fall asleep and rest. // Matthew 11:28

Make a circle on paper

  • Inside the circle write down all the things you can control (when to eat; exercise; pray; rest; read Bible)
  • Outside the circle write down all the things you cannot control (How my children turn out; Political leaders and decisions; Others’ marriages; COVID)

Talk to someone

Confide in some trusted friends.  You don’t need to tell everyone, everything, but you do need to share with someone.  Also, you may need to seek professional help.  God has equipped and trained specific individuals to counsel others in hard times.     

Medication may be necessary

In my opinion, medication can be helpful and it doesn’t negate you are trusting in God.  This illustration may help.  I can peddle my bike, but if it has flat tires, I am not going anywhere fast or in an efficient manner.  Likewise, I can pump up the tires, but if I don’t peddle then I am still not going anywhere fast or in an efficient manner.  It takes both the inflated tires and peddling to see forward movement. Trusting God and taking medicine may both be necessary to see “forward movement” in some cases.

Look for ways to serve others

When we serve others, we tend to take the focus off ourselves.  

Meditate on Scripture and sing songs

Psalm 40:1-5 and the song “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music can provide encouragement.

Remind yourself of your identity in Christ

  • I am the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
  • I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16); son of light not darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6)
  • I am a child of God (John 1:12-13; 1 John 5:18-20)
  • I am part of the true vine of Christ (John 15:1-5)
  • I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
  • I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (John 15:16; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6)
  • I am a slave of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18)
  • I am enslaved to God (Romans 6:22)
  • God is spiritually my Father (Romans 8:14-15; Galatians 3:23-26, 4:6-7)
  • I am a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:6-7; Hebrews 3:1-6)
  • I am a temple of the living God, united with Christ; one Spirit; Christ dwells in me; (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:17-20)
  • I am a member of Christ Body (Family), (1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-21,24-25,27; Ephesians 5:29-30)
  • I am a new creation and share in the life of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 3:12-14)
  • I am reconciled to God and a minister of the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
  • I am a saint (1 Corinthians 1:2: Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2)
  • I am God’s workmanship, His handiwork, born a new and called to do good works He has purposed for me (Ephesians 2:8-10)
  • I am a citizen of the Kingdom of heaven (Ephesians 2:19-20; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 2:10-12) 
  • I am a prisoner of Christ; bondservant to Christ; (Ephesians 3:1, 4:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1)
  • I am righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:17-24)
  • I am hidden with Christ (Colossians 3:3)
  • I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (Colossians 3:4-11)
  • I am a living stone, being built up in Christ as the holy temple (1 Peter 2:2-8)
  • I am a member of the Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9-10)
  • I am an enemy of the devil (1 Peter 5:6-11)
  • I will resemble Christ when He returns (1 John 3:1-3)
  • By the grace of God, I am what I am (Exodus 3:14; John 8:23-29, 58; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11)