Bible Understanding From Anxiety To Peace
Anxiety To Peace
1.) Scripture
Psalms 23:4
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD , for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
1.) Scripture
Psalms 23:4
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD , for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
Psalms 34:4
I prayed to the LORD , and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears.
I prayed to the LORD , and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears.
The Deepest Pit Can Not Consume Me
If you struggle with worry or stress has its grip on you, then you are on a path I have walked. From time to time, this path still emerges and beckons me down it’s shadowy corridor. But now, I have employed solid, daily practices that have helped me not to be gripped by anxiety.
If you struggle with worry or stress has its grip on you, then you are on a path I have walked. From time to time, this path still emerges and beckons me down it’s shadowy corridor. But now, I have employed solid, daily practices that have helped me not to be gripped by anxiety.
I first dealt with acute anxiety and panic during a challenging season years ago while living in a foreign country. I was trying to learn a new language, start a business, be the light of Christ where there was virtually no church present, and father twin, one-year-old boys with my wife. I felt like I was slowly descending into a dark valley.
Over the course of several months, I suffered from chest pains, headaches, and other illnesses that served as a catalyst for fear and concern. Up until this point in my life, I had never experienced anything like it and never really battled worry. If I’m honest, I prided myself for being a courageous risk taker. But I soon began to dwell on worst case scenarios. I was convinced something serious was wrong with me or that something terrible would happen to my family.
People will ask whether my anxiety was circumstantial, psychological, or spiritual. Having contemplated this quite a bit, I am convinced that the answer is “yes.” I believe that often there can be multiple things contributing to our anxiety. Stress has a way of boiling to a point where even those with the highest tolerance are susceptible to its building force. Also, like other physical limitations or illnesses, some of us experience times when our bodies’ chemicals are out of balance. In addition, our spiritual enemy seems to be an opportunist when it comes to his attacks; striking us in our areas of weakness at the lowest moment in our lives.
In this Bible Understanding, I will not attempt to address all causes of anxiety nor all solutions to this common struggle. I don’t pretend to offer a gimmicky formula that, once performed, guarantees a carefree life. But I do believe that the principles contained here offer pathways toward victory inasmuch as they are adopted and walked out. They continue to help me as I’m repeatedly tempted to slide down the slippery slope of fear and anxiety. I pray that they will help you as well.
2. Scripture
Philippians 1:18
It does not matter! I am happy about it — so long as Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy,
Philippians 1:18
It does not matter! I am happy about it — so long as Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy,
Philippians 3:1
In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so.
In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so.
Philippians 4:4-7
May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
Be Anxious About Nothing/ Always Rejoice In The Lord
In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul challenges us to be anxious for nothing. Instead, we are to pray and give thanks. It’s easy to express our thanks to God on the heels of a victory or after receiving a miraculous breakthrough. But we will see that we are called to do this in the midst of our struggles, as well.
At the time when Paul wrote this to the Philippian Church, he was in prison and facing a very uncertain future. Yet, he looked beyond his immediate situation and did not dwell on bad, potential outcomes. His letter reflects his deep joy and attitude of rejoicing.
Just two verses before calling us to vocalize our gratefulness, he commands us to always rejoice. By telling us to “always” rejoice, this implies ongoing or habitual rejoicing. Then, to drive home his point, he immediately repeats the command, “Again I say rejoice.” He shows us that even in the middle of our pain, we can choose joy and praise God.
In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul challenges us to be anxious for nothing. Instead, we are to pray and give thanks. It’s easy to express our thanks to God on the heels of a victory or after receiving a miraculous breakthrough. But we will see that we are called to do this in the midst of our struggles, as well.
At the time when Paul wrote this to the Philippian Church, he was in prison and facing a very uncertain future. Yet, he looked beyond his immediate situation and did not dwell on bad, potential outcomes. His letter reflects his deep joy and attitude of rejoicing.
Just two verses before calling us to vocalize our gratefulness, he commands us to always rejoice. By telling us to “always” rejoice, this implies ongoing or habitual rejoicing. Then, to drive home his point, he immediately repeats the command, “Again I say rejoice.” He shows us that even in the middle of our pain, we can choose joy and praise God.
I don’t believe Paul is asking us to drum up insincere gratitude. I think he is challenging us to give thanks where we should, even in the midst of whatever current struggle we are going through.
I have found that there is always something to celebrate. Even during some of the most difficult trials I have faced, there have also been things I’m thankful for. And meditating on those and voicing my gratitude to God helps transform my perspective and recalibrate my mind.
An overload of negative or stressful thoughts can create a general sense of impending doom. But when I choose to state my gratefulness to God instead of focusing on a negative feeling, I often experience the weight begin to lift.
I have found that there is always something to celebrate. Even during some of the most difficult trials I have faced, there have also been things I’m thankful for. And meditating on those and voicing my gratitude to God helps transform my perspective and recalibrate my mind.
An overload of negative or stressful thoughts can create a general sense of impending doom. But when I choose to state my gratefulness to God instead of focusing on a negative feeling, I often experience the weight begin to lift.
3. Scripture
Philippians 4:6-8
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.
Philippians 4:6-8
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.
Authenticity
Authenticity is an important value to me. So often I have found it difficult to muster up positive thoughts or statements when they simply do not line up with my feelings. For example, if I have flu-like symptoms, I am not going to repeatedly say, “I am not sick, I am not sick, I am not sick.”
Authenticity is an important value to me. So often I have found it difficult to muster up positive thoughts or statements when they simply do not line up with my feelings. For example, if I have flu-like symptoms, I am not going to repeatedly say, “I am not sick, I am not sick, I am not sick.”
However, one day as I listened to a teaching on Philippians 4:8 I realized just how often I do actually proclaim untruths in my mind instead of truths. The verse says, “fix your thoughts on what is true." When we fix our thoughts on what might possibly happen, or the worst that could transpire, we are meditating on untruths. When I worry that the pain in my head is a cancerous tumor, I am dwelling on untruths. Could it be cancer or something else serious? Perhaps. But until that is the case, it is not true.
I cannot tell you the number of ailments, financial crises, failures, and serious consequences I felt like I have experienced over the years because I chose to fixate on what was untrue. And most of them never even came close to actually happening. They were just bouncing around in my mind as mere possibilities.
It may seem obvious and simple, but I have found tremendous relief by reminding myself to only focus on that which is — not that which might be. My task is to only focus on that which is known to be true.
It may seem obvious and simple, but I have found tremendous relief by reminding myself to only focus on that which is — not that which might be. My task is to only focus on that which is known to be true.
4.) Scripture
Genesis 12:1
The LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you.
Genesis 12:1
The LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you.
Joshua 3:14-16
It was harvest time, and the river was in flood. When the people left the camp to cross the Jordan, the priests went ahead of them, carrying the Covenant Box. As soon as the priests stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing and piled up, far upstream at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The flow downstream to the Dead Sea was completely cut off, and the people were able to cross over near Jericho.
It was harvest time, and the river was in flood. When the people left the camp to cross the Jordan, the priests went ahead of them, carrying the Covenant Box. As soon as the priests stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing and piled up, far upstream at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The flow downstream to the Dead Sea was completely cut off, and the people were able to cross over near Jericho.
Psalms 37:5
Give yourself to the LORD ; trust in him, and he will help you
Give yourself to the LORD ; trust in him, and he will help you
John 11:38-40
Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. “Take the stone away!” Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, “There will be a bad smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!” Jesus said to her, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?”
Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. “Take the stone away!” Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, “There will be a bad smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!” Jesus said to her, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?”
Romans 12:2
Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.
Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.
2 Corinthians 10:5
we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.
we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.
Take Control Of Your Thought
Over the years as I evaluate different things that I get anxious or stressed out about, there is one common thread in my response to them — a desire to be in control.It's as if playing out potential negative outcomes or imagining unsuccessful work projects puts me in the driver's seat. Nothing is going to happen without me being forewarned and prepared to face it.
Over the years as I evaluate different things that I get anxious or stressed out about, there is one common thread in my response to them — a desire to be in control.It's as if playing out potential negative outcomes or imagining unsuccessful work projects puts me in the driver's seat. Nothing is going to happen without me being forewarned and prepared to face it.
The problem, however, is that trust and control do not coexist. You can have control or you can have trust, but you can’t have both. This presents a challenge considering that throughout scripture, God's instruction to us is to trust Him. In fact, we often see that God's guidance does not include the final picture nor are all the details known.
Scripture tells us that God desires our trust and dependence on Him along the way. Abraham was instructed to leave his country but not given a specific destination ahead of time. The people of God were told to step into the raging river without a guarantee that God would part the waters. Mary and Martha were challenged to trust when Jesus instructed the stone be removed from their dead brother’s tomb.
Scripture tells us that God desires our trust and dependence on Him along the way. Abraham was instructed to leave his country but not given a specific destination ahead of time. The people of God were told to step into the raging river without a guarantee that God would part the waters. Mary and Martha were challenged to trust when Jesus instructed the stone be removed from their dead brother’s tomb.
Evaluate your heart and motives today. How much of your stressing and worrying is an attempt to be in control? Make an attempt today to put your trust in Him again. Here are a couple of tips:
Strategy
1. Acknowledge your struggle to Him and declare that you want to trust Him.
2. Stop negative thoughts within 30 seconds of them entering your mind and replace them with healthy thoughts.
1. Acknowledge your struggle to Him and declare that you want to trust Him.
2. Stop negative thoughts within 30 seconds of them entering your mind and replace them with healthy thoughts.
Many scientists believe that we can create new neural pathways by changing our thoughts because it changes negative thought patterns. The apostle Paul talked about taking thoughts captive in Second Corinthians, chapter five. Ironically, one of the first steps in releasing control of your life may be gaining control of your thoughts.
5.)Scripture
Matthew 10:29-31
For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!
Matthew 10:29-31
For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.
There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.
Revelation 21:1-7
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: “Now God's home is with human beings! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” Then the one who sits on the throne said, “And now I make all things new!” He also said to me, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.” And he said, “It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: “Now God's home is with human beings! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” Then the one who sits on the throne said, “And now I make all things new!” He also said to me, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.” And he said, “It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children.
GOD Is With Us
Life is full of uncertainty. I have a natural tendency to worry that something bad is going to happen even if things are going really well. In fact, sometimes I do it more when things are going smoothly in my life. This propensity to assume the worst correlates directly with forgetting God’s goodness and care. You and I must remember that God is always with us, and we will get to spend eternity with Him.
Life is full of uncertainty. I have a natural tendency to worry that something bad is going to happen even if things are going really well. In fact, sometimes I do it more when things are going smoothly in my life. This propensity to assume the worst correlates directly with forgetting God’s goodness and care. You and I must remember that God is always with us, and we will get to spend eternity with Him.
But if we’re honest, eternity can overwhelm us because we are not positive about what Heaven will really be like. Yet, God allowed the apostle John to see and articulate enough to excite and thrill us about what's to come. Heaven is unlike anything our humanity can grasp — No more death, sorrow, mourning, or tears. I think it’s safe to say no more anxiety or depression as well. God will be near, and we will forever feel His love and protection because we are His cherished children. I pray that no matter how concerned or anxious we may be or how difficult our current circumstances are, we will find hope in what lies ahead. This is not just about clinging to the hope and peace that will someday be. This is about embracing just how much we are loved. The more we are reminded of God's deep love for us, the less fear’s grip will be able to hold our hearts hostage because His perfect love casts out all fear.
Comments