Overcoming Anxiety with God

In this day and age, there seems to be so much to be anxious about. Living in a broken world makes it seemingly impossible not to live in a state of constant anxiety and fear. Anxiety stems from lack of faith. It happens when we place our hopes in ourselves and not on trusting in God’s plan for our lives.

 

Satan loves to use anxiety as a way to distract us from our relationship with God. At its worst, anxiety takes over our minds and leads our thoughts into a deep dark place. Worry doesn’t benefit you in any way, but it does harm you in many ways.

Worry can affect you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. In reality, anxious thoughts can’t prevent anything from happening in your life. Also, the bad things that may cause anxiety might not ever happen, and many good things can happen instead. Anxious thoughts also waste valuable time that could be spent on more fulfilling activities.

“Don’t live in constant fear of the future…put your life and your future into Christ’s hands.” – Billy Graham.

The good news is that God wants so much more for us than to walk through life with overwhelming anxiety, fear, and worry. God wants what is best for you and is present in all circumstance. Living in a relationship with Him can free us from ever having to be anxious about anything.

I am not a counselor or a therapist, but I can share tips that have been helpful for me (and hope they are helpful for you too), including what I do to emerge from the grips of anxiety and deal with those situations as they come. With all of that said, please do not be afraid of seeing a doctor if you feel that you need help treating your anxiety. They can help you learn healthy ways to cope with your anxiety.

How to Overcome Anxiety with God

Instead of choosing to dwell on the worrisome thoughts, invite God to work in that situation. Spend some time in His presence talking to Him about what worries you. Ask God to reveal whatever unbelief is preventing you from trusting in Him completely. Ask Him to help you through your unbelief. Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

Turn to the Word to Overcome Anxiety

Whenever you catch yourself giving into worrisome thoughts, compare them to God’s Biblical truths. The Bible has something very valuable to say to anxious hearts. Meditate on Bible verses that describe God’s comforting promises and faithfulness to you. You can replace your worrisome thoughts with new thoughts that are based on the reality of what God says is true.

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4.

Read more about Changing Your Narrative.

Surrender Your Anxious Thoughts to Christ

When you focus your thoughts too much on your circumstance, your mind can wander to a constant state of worry. These anxious thoughts can quickly control your life. Instead, focus on Christ and surrender worrisome thought or situation to Him. He exalts His power by taking away what troubles us.

“And every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.

By fixing your thoughts on Him – who is in control of all situations – you will get to know more about Him, His power and love, which will you show that it makes sense to trust Him. Pray that He will make your thoughts more like His thoughts. Make your words more filled with His grace and compassion. Choose to believe that He is working on your behalf for a good purpose, and place your hope in Him.

Trusting God with Your Anxiety

Anxiety focuses your attention on the future, anticipating negative events that may never happen. It is meaningless to spend time worrying about this because whatever you might try to do, you can’t prevent it. So choose to live in the present, take one day at a time. If you do that, Jesus will prepare you to handle every anxious moment that may arise.

“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34.

Overcome Anxiety Mentally and Physically

Declutter Your Life

If you are at all like me when your life seems too full of activities or “to-do’s,” the stress of trying to keep up with it all can cause anxiety. So examine your daily schedule using this Day Designer Planner, and see what you can eliminate to cut out unnecessary anxiety. Pray that God helps reveal where your true priorities are so that you can specify changes in your daily regimen. Most importantly, if you can’t do it all, allow some of God’s grace into your life.

 

 

Take Care of Yourself Physically

Take charge of your health. This is particularly important for those who struggle with anxiety and stress as our physical health is linked to our mental health. Regular exercise has shown to reduce anxiety and stress.  Read more about Why I Workout.

Allow Yourself to Rest

Physical and mental rest is also just as important. God is waiting for us to enter his arms and find complete rest. Make a habit of meditating on God’s faithfulness, and let Him fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding. 

If we believe in His provision and promise, we no longer have a reason to worry.  So put your trust in God and rest in faith that He has your best intentions in mind. God is our One Comfort. Choose to live in peace with God today and every day.