This content may contain affiliate links. All quoted scripture in the New International Version.
Here are 8 things to remember when anxiety hits:
1) You only have to do today
Often, when we are anxious, it’s either about some future thing we’re dreading or a past event we can’t change. But God doesn’t want us living in tomorrow or yesterday – He wants us living in today.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
As tornados spin and fires burn; while our family members spiral in addictions, God promises He will not let us drown in our troubles.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
No where in the Bible does God tell us to go it alone. He gave us His spirit, our family and friends, our church fellowships, as well as health care and medicine. We have both supernatural help in His word and power and earthly sources of help available.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
As the Bible explains, fear brings torment, described as “extreme pain or anguish of body or mind” by Merriam-Webster’s definition. Human tendency is to attempt to alleviate pain if it occurs. However, abusing drugs and alcohol or turning to dopamine-inducing behaviours like gambling and porn is causing millions of people worldwide additional harm.
“’I have the right to do anything’, you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23
Contact with nature is associated with positive benefits including more happiness, a better sense of well-being and lower mental distress, according to a report by the American Psychological Association.
“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm 96:12
If you want to cut off the negative thought train in its tracks, find a good scripture to meditate on.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
There is almost nothing good reported in the news and social media can exacerbate anxiety. A better option could be to shut the screens off and turn the tunes up. Studies show music can elevate mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Maybe even better, we can pick up our Bible and read some verses aloud, forcing our minds off the dark thoughts and onto the light of Jesus Christ.
“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Whatever trouble is pushing its way through the door, it’s only temporary. Our Lord and Savior is about to return – guaranteed. Those of us who are Chosen will then enter a blissful eternity with the King of Kings, leaving all earthly miseries permanently behind.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Renewing Our Minds is lead by Jessica Lindsey, an inspired author from Canada. Her vision is to help Christian women on their journeys of spiritual growth and healing by providing content from other women around the world with wisdom to share.
