Alternatives To Anxiety
Alternatives To Anxiety | February 3, 2024
One of the big lies of those anxious moments and panic attacks is that there is no way out. These false thoughts want you to believe that when anxiety comes, it has to stay, but that simply is not true. See, we have several effective alternatives to our anxiety struggles that you need to know about.
Alternative #1 is prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, _"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." _Notice first that this type of prayer begins with diligently and persistently coming to God with a need; some translations call this petitioning. Secondly, we need to pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude is the enemy of fear, worry, and anxiety. Focus on what God has already done, and that anxious thought will not seem so big anymore.
Alternative #2 is people. James 5:13-16 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." Sadly, some limit this verse to physical or outward affliction, but this net of care should also cover those struggling between the ears. We must remember that God cares about people's emotional and mental well-being as much as their physical health. Therefore, reach out to a trusted friend, church leader, or counselor if anxiety is getting the best of you. There is absolutely no shame in sharing this struggle.
Alternative #3 is participation. Proverbs 11:25 says, "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." We can never outgive God. Whether with money, time, gifts, or skills, God will bless your faithfulness to participate in His plans. As you help others and serve God, He will use those responsibilities as holy distractions while encouraging your spirit with the joy of serving. You will also find that God does His best work through us when we are weakest.
Remember, when anxiety comes, we have choices!
Alternative #1 is prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, _"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." _Notice first that this type of prayer begins with diligently and persistently coming to God with a need; some translations call this petitioning. Secondly, we need to pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude is the enemy of fear, worry, and anxiety. Focus on what God has already done, and that anxious thought will not seem so big anymore.
Alternative #2 is people. James 5:13-16 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." Sadly, some limit this verse to physical or outward affliction, but this net of care should also cover those struggling between the ears. We must remember that God cares about people's emotional and mental well-being as much as their physical health. Therefore, reach out to a trusted friend, church leader, or counselor if anxiety is getting the best of you. There is absolutely no shame in sharing this struggle.
Alternative #3 is participation. Proverbs 11:25 says, "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." We can never outgive God. Whether with money, time, gifts, or skills, God will bless your faithfulness to participate in His plans. As you help others and serve God, He will use those responsibilities as holy distractions while encouraging your spirit with the joy of serving. You will also find that God does His best work through us when we are weakest.
Remember, when anxiety comes, we have choices!
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Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
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Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
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Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
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