Fear and anxiety can be crippling forces in our lives. We’ve all felt the tightening and heart-thumping affects of stress and the anxiety which follows. Be it job stress, financial stress, health news, relationships, or even that dreaded check engine light, all manners of stress can cause us to suffer from anxiety. The problem is anxiety can continue even long after the stressor is removed. So what are we to do when stress and anxiety is getting us down? Let’s look to the Bible for some answers.
God doesn’t want us to try and overcome anxiety all on our own; He will encourage and console us when things get rough.
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalms 94:19 ESV
Fear is often a part of our anxiety. We fear things we can’t see or control. God doesn’t want us to be afraid.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 ESV
God is faithful in helping us overcome our fears but we have to do our part. We need to work at controlling our own fears.
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Sometimes the things we face seem to be so big that we can’t imagine how we will overcome them. What is the answer to this? Don’t try and figure out things that are bigger than you!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 ESV
You have to think right in order for things to be right; it’s about attitude. If we dwell on how much we can’t control we can even begin to lose our grip on things which are within our control. Instead of focusing on what we can’t do we need to focus on what God can do and it will bring peace to our lives.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Do you remember when you were a child how reassuring the touch of your parents hand on your hand was? God holds our hand showing us love, guidance, and protection.
“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NLT
The next time fear and anxiety come knocking on your heart’s door practice letting God remove them from your life.
Scott Pollard
Associate Pastor