Practical, Biblical Strategies For Overcoming Anxiety
Stop Being Controlled by Fear, Worry and Anxiety
It’s like a weight on your chest. It’s hard to catch your breath. You feel uneasy, restless. You have a constant sense of dread, fearing that the worst will happen.
Anxiety has become a prevalent issue in today's fast-paced and uncertain world, affecting millions of people worldwide. While seeking professional help and utilizing therapeutic techniques are valuable steps, many individuals also turn to their faith for guidance and comfort. The Bible is a collection of God-inspired writings that offers profound insights and teachings on how to overcome anxiety. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about anxiety and look at some practical strategies derived from its wisdom.
“Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.”
—Anonymous
Understanding Anxiety
In the Bible, anxiety is often associated with worry, fear, and the burden of life's uncertainties. However, it also acknowledges that anxiety is not God's desire for His people. The Scriptures remind us of God's loving and caring nature, urging us to trust Him completely.
Seek God's Presence and Peace
The Bible encourages believers to seek God's presence and find solace in His peace.
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:5-7
Through prayer and thanksgiving, we can experience the peace that surpasses human comprehension, bringing comfort and tranquility to our troubled hearts.
Personally, I have found myself meditating on that particular passage during some of my most anxiety-filled moments. Most people, when they cite this passage, start with verse 6 which says, “Do not be anxious…”. I have found more comfort when I back up one sentence and note verse 5 which says, “The Lord is near.” That’s comforting for me.
Cast Your Burdens on Him
Another powerful lesson from the Bible is to cast our burdens upon God.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7
Recognizing that God cares deeply for us and is willing to shoulder our burdens can alleviate the weight of anxiety. Trusting in His providence and surrendering our concerns to Him allows us to find rest and peace.
It’s important to remember that neither of those passages promises that God will change our circumstances or remove whatever might be causing our anxiety. But they are both promises that we can count on Him to help us manage the stress, worry or fear that we are experiencing.
Practice Gratitude and Contentment
Gratitude and contentment are essential attitudes for combating anxiety. I have found that when my anxious thoughts become overwhelming, it is important for me to find a way to combat those thoughts.
The Bible teaches that a thankful heart brings joy and peace.
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
- Philippians 4:11-12
By cultivating gratitude and contentment, we shift our focus from worries to the blessings in our lives, fostering a sense of peace and security.
A therapist that I was seeing advised me to put a rubber band around my wrist. And every time I had an anxious thought come into my mind, I was to snap the rubber band and begin telling God of something I was thankful for. Over time, this proved to be a very helpful tool in helping me redirect my thoughts from things that were causing me anxiety.
Practical Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety
While the Bible provides profound teachings, it also encourages practical strategies to overcome anxiety. Here are some strategies derived from biblical wisdom:
Develop a Consistent Prayer Life
Regular prayer helps build a deeper connection with God and provides an avenue for sharing our worries, fears, and anxieties with Him. By entrusting our concerns to God through prayer, we invite His guidance and experience the peace that comes from knowing we are not alone.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation on Scripture
Engaging in mindful meditation on Scripture allows us to focus our minds on God's promises and truths. By deliberately immersing ourselves in God's Word and meditating on its wisdom, we can calm our anxious thoughts and replace them with God's truth.
If you are new to reading the Bible, check out this article; A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible
Build a Supportive Faith Community
Surrounding ourselves with a supportive faith community provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Sharing our struggles and receiving prayer and support from fellow believers can lighten the burden of anxiety and remind us that we are not alone in our journey.
One of our church mantras is:
“We’re all going through something. Let’s go through it together.”
We derive this saying from Galatians 6:2 which says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
To learn more about the importance of being in community, check out this article; How Being Part of a Church Can Help You Thrive
Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Well-being
The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Practicing self-care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking appropriate professional help when necessary are crucial steps toward managing anxiety. Proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and seeking counseling or therapy can contribute to overall well-being.
I hope this article has given you some direction and some things to consider as you battle your own anxiety, worry and fears. If your anxiety continues, I hope that you will seek professional help. Here are a few links of resources that might help you: