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Overcoming Anxiety with Faith and Support

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Steps to Overcoming Anxiety with Faith and Support

ISSUES: Symptoms and Characteristics of Anxiety

Fear is a common human emotion that we all experience at one point or another. It can be a helpful signal that warns us of potential danger, but it can also be overwhelming and paralyzing. Symptoms of fear can include a racing heart, sweating, shaking, and difficulty breathing. For example, John has always been afraid of heights. Even standing on a ladder or looking out of a high window can make him feel dizzy and sick to his stomach. Learn more about overcoming anxiety with faith and support.

AIM: Biblical Principles to Overcome Anxiety

The Bible has a lot to say about fear and how we can overcome it. One of the most well-known verses on this topic is found in 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

This verse reminds us that fear comes not from God but from our thoughts and perceptions. It encourages us to trust in God’s power and love to help us overcome our fears and worries and maintain a sound mind.

ADAPT: Biblical Practices to Overcome Anxiety

One area for change when it comes to fear is our thought patterns. Often, fear is fueled by negative or irrational thoughts that we need to challenge and replace with more positive and realistic ones.

For example, if you have a fear of public speaking, you may be telling yourself that you’ll embarrass yourself, that people will judge you, or that you’ll forget what you wanted to say. By recognizing these thoughts and challenging them with more positive ones, such as “I have valuable insights to share” or “People are interested in what I have to say,” you can begin to reduce your fear and build confidence.

Another area for change is our response to fear. When we feel afraid, our natural tendency is to avoid the thing causing the fear. While this may provide temporary relief, it can also reinforce the fear and make it even harder to overcome.

Instead, we can practice facing our fears in a safe and controlled way. For example, if you have a fear of dogs, you might start by looking at pictures of dogs, then gradually work up to being near a calm dog and eventually petting it.

APPLY: Biblical Endurance to Overcome Anxiety

To sustain these changes, it’s important to have a support system in place. This can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, joining a support group, or seeking help from a counselor.

It’s also important to be patient as we work through our fears. By sharing our experiences with others and supporting each other, we can break the stigma around fear and create a community of healing and hope.

One important aspect of the biblical perspective on fear is the idea of trust in God. Psalm 56:3-4 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

This verse reminds us that God is with us in our fear and that we can trust in Him to provide strength, courage, and overcome anxiety. By turning to God in prayer and seeking His guidance, we can find peace in the midst of our fear.

By turning to God in prayer and seeking His guidance, we can find peace in the midst of our fear.

Woman writing a diary

Ponder

It’s also important to remember that fear is a normal and natural emotion that everyone experiences. It’s okay to feel afraid sometimes, and it’s important to give ourselves permission to do so.

However, when fear starts to control our thoughts and actions, it can become a problem. By taking steps to challenge our thoughts, face our fears, pray to God, read, meditate, or study God’s Word, and seek support and guidance, we can learn to overcome anxiety and our fears and live with greater confidence and peace.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for being a God I can place my confidence in. I can hope in You. I praise you for securing me even in my fears and insecurities. Guide me by the Holy Spirit and help me to become more and more like Your precious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Suggested Hymns or Songs (click the song name to listen to the song)

  1. “How Firm a Foundation” by John Rippon
  2. “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote

Would you consider joining our Time for Change Membership and Group Coaching Program?

The Time for Change Program is a comprehensive approach that can help you understand your emotions, identify the issues underlying them, and move towards a healthier lifestyle.

Our program is based on Biblical principles and utilizes inspirational stories from other participants to equip you with powerful tools to reach the life results you desire. Follow this link now to learn more about our membership and group coaching program!

Become a member of our coaching program.

 

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