OVERCOMING ANXIETY: A PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVE.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Is overcoming anxiety practically possible? Has anxiety made it difficult for you to live out your full potential? Anxiety is an emotion that stems from worry and a sense of unease regarding a specific outcome. Anxiety is not necessarily a bad thing because it can help you avoid danger and also motivate you.
An example of this would be when you have an interview coming up and are anxious about it. The anxiety will push you to want to prepare for it instead of just winging it. So we can see that anxiety, although uncomfortable, is not bad. Unfortunately, there are good anxiety and acute anxiety. Acute anxiety, referred to as disordered anxiety, is characterized by perceiving danger when you are safe and an inability to function normally.
Have you been experiencing acute anxiety? Have you been misinterpreting situations? The good news is that there is a solution for acute anxiety. We can cure disordered anxiety. God created our brains in such a way that they can heal and rewire themselves. But they need a little help from us. It all comes down to our thought patterns. Every emotion that we experience as human beings come from our thoughts. That is why you feel gloomy when you focus on negative things and vice versa. In Romans 12:2
Paul tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but rather be transformed by the renewal of our mind so that we can know the perfect will of God
ROMANS 12:2
When God created our brains, He made them in such a way that they could rewire themselves as long as we guide them in the desired direction. That is why the Bible reminds us that we can rewire our brains and our thought patterns.
“Thoughts are physical things that occupy mental real estate. Moment by moment, every day, you are changing the structure of your brain through your thinking. When we hope, it is an activity of the mind that changes the structure of our brain in a positive and normal direction.”
Dr Caroline Leaf: switch on your brain
How then can you rewire your mind to help you in overcoming anxiety?
In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we are told to cast down every imagination that exalts itself against the obedience of Christ and bring into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ. That is a simple truth. But believe it or not, we fail at even the easiest of instructions. Overcoming anxiety is possible. And the good news the Bible has given us a blueprint to help us succeed in overcoming anxiety. So let us look at some practical ways we can cast down those imaginations.
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
First, we need to know that pathways created by our thoughts can be changed in 4 days and new ones created in 21 days. This gives us hope it is doable and also tells us that consistency and intentionality are key to our transformation process.
Practical steps to take in overcoming anxiety;
Desire change
Every action starts with a thought and so you have to want to change your thought pattern and get rid of disorder anxiety before you can take a step. The Bible gives us a scenario where, after making up his mind, God came through for him. So let’s look at them.
The person is Daniel. Daniel’s answer came when he resolved to fast and pray. And here is a scripture that proves just that.
12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Daniel 10.
The Bible clearly shows that God sent the angel when Daniel set his mind to fast and pray. And not when he actually started the fast. Wow! Isn’t it amazing that God partners with us when we decide to do something? If you desire change and to see yourself overcoming anxiety, then I encourage you to decide to do something about it. Resolutions are powerful. It all starts in the mind. That is why the Bible tells us that as a man/ woman thinks in their heart, so they are. And if the mind is that powerful, why not decide to do something that will help you in overcoming anxiety?
Don’t stay stuck with the same pattern of thinking. It has not been serving you. But before you can decide to change, there has to be an awareness of the problem. Have you realized that you are dealing with acute anxiety? What drove Daniel to fast was the fact that after reading the scrolls, he realized that the time for captivity and exile was up. And he wanted to see him and his people set free.
Mind you, Daniel was one of the most trusted advisors of the king. So his life was okay. But just because he was okay did not mean that he did not care to see others set free. Are you selfless enough to want to do something for the sake of others? How you have been handling the anxiety might have been detrimental to other people. Of course, I understand it was unintentional. But still, others have been affected by it. Have you noticed that?
If not for you, then do it for the people around you. Today, I would like to encourage you to observe how your anxiety is affecting those around you. Better yet, ask them. And choose today to do something about that anxiety.
If you think you can or can’t you are right. If you would like to win but think you cannot, it’s almost certain that you will not.
HENRY FORD
Want the change so badly that you will do whatever it takes to experience it- obviously guided by the Bible. The quote above shows us the power of our thoughts and will. Jesus also told us how important it is to guard our minds and that is why He said that we should avoid harboring hatred towards someone, as that can be a motive for murder. Not committing the act is simply not enough!
Meditate on God’s word.
God told Joshua in Joshua 1:8 to meditate on the laws that He had given them through Moses. He even told Him that the more He would meditate on the laws, the easier it would be to follow and remember them. The first definition of Meditate in Hebrew is to rehearse in one’s mind. So it is not enough to just read the Bible, rehearse what you have read in your mind and repeat it until you have captured it in your heart.
The second definition is to murmur or speak out loud. The Bible tells us that Faith comes from hearing and hearing the word of God. Once you have rehearsed God’s word in your mind, now speak it and decree it over your life. The more you hear yourself speak it, the more it gets ingrained in your mind. Repeat the process with each negative thought, and you will see a change if you do not give up.
You know, meditating on God’s word is simply being aware of what the Bible says after reading it and choosing to follow the instructions diligently. And the Holy Spirit can help you meditate on the word of God. He does so by bringing to remembrance what you have already studied. That is why you often hear a voice tell you not to do something when you are about to sin. Or sometimes when you are having a bad day, the Holy Spirit will encourage you with a scripture or even a song. Make room for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Give Him access over your life.
The Bible contains life-giving words and as you consume these words; you help your mind rewire itself. And in doing this you realize that the anxiety that used to trouble you is no more. Of course, it will not happen in a day. It might take a year or more before you can see any results. But when you are consistent and diligent, you will see results.
The beauty of reading God’s word is that it contains love letters from God that God wants us to read. And as you read what God says to and about you, anxiety will flee. This is because God’s love, which is perfect, will cast out fear. And fear is the root cause of anxiety. Me telling you to meditate on God’s word not only has spiritual benefit but is practical, too. Intentionally set time aside to read the word of God. You will see results as they will be progressive.
Surround yourself with positive-minded people
You are the average of the 5 people you spend your time with
Jim Rohn
You cannot think positively and maintain a positive mindset if you surround yourself with negative-minded people. After all, 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that poor company corrupts noble character. Do the people you surround yourself with fuel your anxiety or faith? You cannot plant a fig seed and expect to harvest apples. When all you hear are anxious words, you will remain anxious. After all, the mind will only capture what it frequently hears. And it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth will speak.
You should guard your mind at all costs because out of it flows the issues of life.
Remember that this is a lifelong journey, so your aim should be on how to make it a lifestyle. Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to be our helper and teacher. Do not be afraid to ask Him for help. Whenever you experience bouts of an anxiety attack, remember to pray. Philippians 4 tells us not to be anxious about anything but through prayer and supplications, take our requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all will guard our hearts.
Other practical ways of overcoming anxiety include:
- Spending time outside to get that vitamin D.
- Taking a self-care day or afternoon
- Taking on hobbies that you love.
- Preparing for something, e.g. an interview beforehand.
- Deep breathing exercises: Taking deep, slow breaths can help to relax the body and reduce feelings of anxiety. You can practice this by breathing in deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Although temporary it helps calm your nerves in the moment.
- Being present and fully engaged in the present moment can help to reduce anxiety by allowing you to focus on what is happening right now rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. After all, you cannot add or subtract something by worrying about it
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help to reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Talking to a therapist or counselor: A professional can help you understand and manage your anxiety by providing you with tools and techniques to cope with symptoms.
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms: This can be different for everyone and can include things like journaling, picnicking, or listening to music.
- Changing thoughts: The way you think about a situation can affect how anxious you feel. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one approach that can help you identify and change negative thought patterns. Dr. Carolynne Leaf’s podcast can help you with that if you lack the resources to invest.
- It’s important to remember that it may take time and effort to overcome anxiety and that different strategies may work better for different people. It’s also important to have patience with yourself and to seek professional help if needed.
Scriptures that will help you in your journey of overcoming anxiety
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you.”
Isaiah 41:10 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.
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Mathew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Conclusion
“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.”
Arthur Somers Roche
This quote emphasizes the importance of not allowing anxiety to consume our thoughts and actions, and the power of actively working to overcome it.
Overcoming anxiety is something God wants you to do. As long as you are anxious, you cannot experience the fullness of life. And that is sad because Jesus came so that you and I could experience abundant life and have freedom. Don’t allow the enemy to keep you stuck in that bondage. God wants to see you free because He loves you. He hurts when you are hurting and fearful.
Today, I want to encourage you to dissociate from fear and allow the love of God to wash out the anxiety and replace it with peace that comes only from Him. You have access to His peace through Jesus Christ. Receive it. And remember you can not earn God’s love or His peace, you can only receive it. Jesus already gave us His peace. Partake of it today.
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Radiantly Resurging
Mercy is the author and founder of radiantly resurging. She is a Christian and having gone through the wilderness season, she decided to impart the knowledge learned to help others navigate their wilderness season too
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