How do we fight anxiety?

Parson to Person

It seems like our weather over the past several weeks needs a time out. Maybe it’s throwing a tantrum or maybe it’s just showing us who is actually in charge. One of the things that we notice in the month of May is that the rains of April seem to give way to bright, sunny skies and warmer temperatures. We look forward with expectancy to the summer, which is coming quickly but, I want us to go back to the expectant feeling for a moment. We know that one season leads to the next. But, have you thought about this in your own personal life?

Each person that’s reading this article today can say, without a doubt that they have had ups and downs in their life over the past year. Some may even say that the past weeks and months have been a very trying and difficult time for them and they may be feeling the throes of anxiety and even depression coming into the Summer. The unknown can be a scary thing. How do we fight anxiety?

Philippians 4:6-7: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I want to share three things with you that will help you as you battle anxiety in your life. First, remember the promises of God.

John 14:27: 27 Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. [i]Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor [j]fearful. God has promised to give us peace. Not peace that is superficial or temporary, but actual peace. We do not have to be afraid. He also tells us to cast our burdens on him and he will sustain us. Psalms 55:22.

Second, we must strive to change our speech. If all we ever say and focus on is the negative and what we are lacking and never give, thanks for what we actually do have, then we will find our self bound by negativities and overwhelmed by dread and lack. The book of Proverbs states that anxiety weighs a persons heart down, but a good word brings gladness. Our speech is powerful. Blessings and curses come from our tongue. Many people quote Philippians 4:13, and it definitely applies to our dealing with anxiety. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. We have the strength we need to overcome anxiety by the power of Jesus Christ.

Finally, we must use what we learned from anxiety to identify what we need to address in our own personal lives. For many anxiety is caused by lack of control over a specific event. That lack of control over something that can’t possibly be controlled identifies a weakness in our own personality and character. It is not until we relinquish control to God that we actually have true freedom to walk in confidence, knowing that he is with us, and we will never forsake us. As we identify things in our character that need to be changed, we become more and more Christlike in our character.

When we admit that we cannot control the outcome, but trust in God to do the work, we can then walk in freedom. Struggles with anxiety are very real. There are those that need additional help such as counseling or even medication to deal with the anxiety that is overwhelming them. If you are struggling with anxiety and have tried to address the issues, and have not made any progress on your on, seek the help of a professional counselor. Seeking help from a counselor does not mean you are weak. It actually speaks of your strength and your resolve to change and address issues that are impacting your life.

I would also suggest that you align yourself with a faith community. There are several listed on the pages of this newspaper you’re reading. Go and get involved with that local body of believers. There is power in community especially the church community. You may have tried church before, but I encourage you to try again. New life comes after the rain. Don’t lose hope and don’t give up God is there for you and so are we.