How to Beat Anxiety

Anxiety is a type of fear of something that doesn't yet exist. Anxiety is an imagination of what might happen. It's disturbing and leaves you questioning  "what if this, what if that." Like a monster tormenting us from within, anxiety keeps many Christians awake at night and, in more severe cases, can lead to dependence on medication. Anxiety can paralyze us or alter our behavior. If left unresolved, it can escalate to anger or destructive behaviors, harming the individual and others. Many of us likely carry scars resulting from our anxieties.

Anxiety suddenly appears within us, like a voice emanating from our hearts, permeating our thoughts with its terror. It's a personification that puts the lenses of enormity in our view. What if my boss fires me? What if my child doesn't come home? What if I don't pass this test? What if people mock what I'll say? What if the money isn't enough? What if...

Men and women who serve God, both in the present day and historically, experience or have experienced anxiety. King David, for example, when anxious, said the following: " Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalms 43:5). This is the right attitude of putting the sword of the Word at the neck of the monster of anxiety. David teaches us to converse with our soul, reminding us of God's promises and care.

This action has worked for me. When the monster of anxiety rises in my soul, trying to steal my peace, I say to it: calm down, be still. Settle down because God is in control. God is on the throne; He is the best; he never allows anything to destroy you, and so on. Then, I make an effort to quote the Bible verses I remember to my soul, and before I know it, the sword (of the Word) has already entered the monster of anxiety, and it has gone to sleep. Then, I thank God for the victory. Sometimes, it takes me 5 minutes; other times, I must continue this exercise all day or for weeks. But aware that this monster may wake up again.

Jesus, knowing the distress that anxiety brings us, had compassion on us, leaving us the perfect antidote for this affliction that plagues us. Luke 12:22 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” He assures us that our anxiety can be controlled and that it is up to us to decide whether we become anxious or not. Therefore, He gave us this command: “Do not be anxious.” Will we obey it?

We know that by ourselves, it is impossible to follow this command of Jesus. In fact, it is impossible to follow any knowledge of Jesus by ourselves. But His power working in us enables us to obey Him. We don’t have to do it in our strength but in His. Mark 10:27 says, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

The Apostle Paul gave us the following recommendation: " Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6). Instead of nurturing the fear that anxiety brings, we need to go into God's presence and tell Him what is troubling us, what is making us anxious. He doesn't ask us to deny or fight against anxiety, nor does He instruct us to do meditation or yoga (although physical activity is essential). He taught us to give our fear to Him. And how do we do that?

We do that with supplications and thanksgiving. Also, with humility, we surrender our needs to Him. With thanksgiving and a grateful heart, we offer Him our devotion and trust. When we give Him our anxiety, we empty ourselves or rid ourselves of it, and God will take care of what we have entrusted to Him. Jesus said in Matthew 6:32: " For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Anxiety can be a way of feeling that God owes us something. Still, when we submit to His sovereignty and, in gratitude, thank you, Father, for your love for adopting me as your son and daughter, we receive peace and joy.

" And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7). This is when we deal with anxiety correctly. The Word of God and prayer are the antidotes to overcoming fear and experiencing peace, joy, and an abundant life in His presence.

What are your anxieties? Comment below and share on your Facebook. Thank you. Hug, Helia