HOW TO STOP ACTING ON ANXIETY

Everyone gets a little anxious at times. Now, because of COVID-19, we struggle with uncertainty and fear daily. There is good news. God cares about your worries and anxiety.

The attached Bible references prove God’s awareness and concern for what you and I are experiencing today. 

1. Stay in the present. Stop dwelling your thoughts on what could or will happen later. Do everything within your power, and leave the rest to God. You must not dwell on painful memories from your past.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34, BSB)

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

2. Re-think your thoughts.  Recognize when negativity is overtaking your thoughts. Substitute those thoughts with pleasant or positive thinking. Focus on spiritual solutions to whatever problem you are facing. Avoid obsessing about, and trying to solve the problems of other adults.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESB)

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6, NIV).

“We pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, GNT)

3. Take a break. Take some alone time. Relax. Take deep breaths. 

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” (Mark 6:31, NLT)

4. Exercise often and eat a healthy diet. Use this time to get as healthy as possible to fulfill your God-given purpose with vigor. Try eliminating one unhealthy habit for 21 days, then move on to the next. Never give up!

“Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19, ASV)

“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church:” (Ephesians 5:29, KJV)

5. Laugh and find joy. Find something funny to read, watch, or think about each day. Spending time with God each day will give you pleasure, even during your most difficult moments.

“Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time” (Proverbs 17:22, GNT).

“So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!” (Psalm 32:11, NLT)

6. Accept and admit your struggles. You are human. It’s okay to be afraid. Talk about your feelings and concerns with others.Get needed help through your pastor, medical professionals, support groups, etc.

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34, NIV)

7. Practice intentional prayer and meditation each day. Rather than just going through the “habit of praying” each day, focus on the communication process. When praying, really talk to God, then quietly listen as God speaks to you. 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NASB)

Most of all, no matter what happens, keep your faith. God is bringing you through this difficult time. Meanwhile, may the peace of God be with you.

We love hearing from you! For comments or questions, click here.