Practical Approach to Anxiety: A Prayer for Spritual Strength

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Short Bible lesson on anxiety, its causes, examples of Godly people dealing with it, and some practical exercises to deal with it.

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Root Cause

Ask “what causes anxiety?”

Anxiety- State of mind wherein one is concerned about something or someone. This state of mind may range from genuine concern (Phil. 2:20, 28; 2 Cor. 11:28) to obsessions that originate from a distorted perspective of life.

To be honest what causes our thoughts to be distorted from that of God. The short answer is a lack of trust, faith, prayer, and Biblical knowledge in God our Father. We feel anxious alot of the time with the feeling ‘things just seem out of control’. We may have a little stake in how we choose little things in life, but even that fits into how God shapes our reality. What takes time for believers to understand is that we are NEVER in control. God is, over everything.

Look at what Jesus says in Matt. 6:25-34

Matthew 6:25–34 (ESV)

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Jesus did not prohibit genuine concern about food or shelter, but He did teach that we should keep things in their proper perspective. We should make God’s kingdom our first priority; everything else will fall in line after we do that (Matt. 6:33).

Lots of Biblical Authors address anxiety and stress: Paul, Job, David, ......Jesus.......

And can you tell me one Bible character that did not encounter stress in their life??

I can’t think of one....

So how did they deal with it? Some with great success, some with utter failure. But always the lesson is ‘Trust’. Faith. and letting go of control....

I just want to mention Paul and Job for a sec.

Two people who dealt with extraordinary circumstances.

Paul was in Prison, soon to die and look what He wrote to encourage others, NOT about his imminent death:

English Standard Version (Chapter 3)

11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.Prayer for Spiritual Strength14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Paul had accepted what God had led him to. Paul trusted in God.

Now look at Job: a man who literally had everything taken away but his life:

English Standard Version Chapter 38

38 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

3 Dress for action like a man;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

6 On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone,

7 when the morning stars sang together

and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

then Job says:

English Standard Version Chapter 40

3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:

4 “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?

I lay my hand on my mouth.

5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer;

twice, but I will proceed no further.”

And God challenges him more, then Job comes to this conclusion:

42 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

2 “I know that you can do all things,

and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

4 ‘Hear, and I will speak;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.’

5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

6 therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 42:1–6.

There has to come a point in our walk in this life WITH CHRIST, to let go of what we think we control. God is wanting your trust; He deserves your trust. NO MATTER WHAT COMES IN YOUR LIFE. Things are going to happen in your life, will you turn and show God glory through it. Just like the blind man the disciples asked Jesus, in John 9:1-3.

Some Practical exercises

How to Change Your Focus from Anxiety to Christ

Here are five ways that can help you to deal with your anxiety and change your focus from your own problems to Christ.

Change Your Thinking

You can change your thinking by becoming more aware of the circumstances that trigger your anxiety. You can acknowledge your feelings and make intentional choices to shift your focus to Christ. Acknowledge that He is sufficient to help you and free you from whatever makes you feel anxious.

Be Thankful

Studies have proven that those who are thankful live longer, happier lives. Start a gratitude journal, write a letter of thankfulness, serve at a local charity, or spend some time in purposeful prayer of gratitude to God. God has given you so much to be thankful for. If you take the time to look for it and acknowledge it, your attitude can shift from worry to peace.

Practice Good Self-Care

Take care of yourself by prioritizing physical exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and connection with other people. Find the activities that give you joy and energy, and make time for them without apology. Take care of yourself.

Make Room for Joy

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. Laughter is also good for your heart and your immune system and it relaxes the whole body.

Ask someone… people who love and care for you usually can’t read your mind.

Seek Christian Counseling to Control Anxiety\

Bellevue Christian Counseling; Professional help with faith-based values

So questions to leave you with:

If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and savior, I can imagine you may have a lot of anxiety in your life because all you can trust in is yourself and mankind. How’s that working out?

Will you trust Jesus? Trust the Father in heaven that He knows what is best for you?