Do you or a loved one know what it is like to battle daily anxiety or face overwhelming trials? That mental distress and agitation can come from legitimate concern or grow out of proportion in our imagination. In addition, some people deal with short-term or situational anxiety that passes or longer-term worries. But amidst our fears, God gives us many antidotes to help us.
Do you feel like you are facing overwhelming trials? John 16:33 says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
As you walk through your present anxiety, here are five steps you can take to help you find strength in the Lord:
1. Stop denying that you have a problem. Admit that you are struggling with anxiety. It’s OK to say it out loud. You may even want to consider seeking medical help to assist in your healing process.
2. Stop self-medicating. Some respond to anxiety by overeating; some choose alcohol or drugs. Others sit in front of their computer, phone, or television for hours on end. Unfortunately, these unhealthy coping mechanisms often make our issues worse, not better.
3. Be intentional about what you are putting into your mind. Our thoughts have a profound effect on how we live. When you are filling your mind with thoughts of God and promises, you are training your heart, mind, and body to stand firm during difficult and stressful seasons.
4. Embrace the power of surrendering your life to God. Learning to let go and trust God’s care and provision for our lives is a powerful tool when we start feeling overwhelmingly anxious.
5. Pray for God’s grace daily. It is essential to realize that you can’t handle the stress and issues of life without God’s help and strength. So get on your knees daily and ask for His grace to strengthen you in your struggles with anxiety. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “… ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
Below are some scriptures to help you know what God says about our response to anxiety. In addition, if you want prayer or to talk about your struggle with anxiety, feel free to call the pastoral care team at 800-525-5683.
Additional Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:25-34
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Psalm 55:22
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.
