Got Anxiety?

Got Anxiety?  Sometimes we wake up with a sense of anxiety with all the things that need to be done.  Or maybe a project, event, or person brings anxiety to your life.  Perhaps you have to make a decision and don't know what to do and this causes you to feel restless or anxious. 

With a little turn to God, and a little faith in scripture, Philippians 4 has some exhortations and application to help with that anxiety.  Unfortunately, sometimes we just get too caught up in the problem and don't take the time to stop... breath... close eyes, focus on Jesus, and turn to him while imagining setting all the "stuff" down at his feet. 

Philippians 4 is powerful, especially if read often and asking God to help with whatever is troubling, but first try looking to him and praising him in a way that is special to you.  It may take practice, as fighting anxiety is a process.  Paul writes this letter to the Philippians sharing his strength and joy found in Christ.  God can guard your thoughts, your mind in Christ Jesus.  Paul tells us we can replace our anxiety levels by surrendering to God through prayer.  Focusing on God's ability.  Anything is a peace of cake if he is in agreement, and your prayers are answered if according to his will for you in the right time, and he does not want us to fear or have anxiety. 

A deep calmness, that surpasses all understanding, can be found by his promise to us in scripture, anytime, anywhere, regarding anything.  We do have to focus on HIM, and not our own limited resources, our weaknesses will become strengths through him.  So what to do???  Get rid of the uneasy, restless, fearful, anxiety.  Practice, trust in his word, and looking to him first for everything, focusing on his power and good things, will bring PEACE.  Talk to him, tell him you need him.

FOR THE BIBLE READING, using a NIV bible, I will type the quote.  Over time, I promise, HE promises, your anxiety and fears can be changed in moments with the application of scripture and faith that he wants you to have peace.  Let him know how thankful you are for everything he has done.  Never forget, focus on gratitude changes the focus of the mind to healthy things as stated in the scriptures.  And the word of God, is forever, true, and a basis of a healthy walk in life with a God who loves you so much.  Read all of the chapter if you can.  Whatever you don't understand, ask him to show you...He will!

Let me know if this is helpful or if you have any comments, questions, anything... prayer requests are welcome always.  Thank you for being willing to invest your time into facing fears and anxiety head on with God's assistance and just one way to find peace. 

When you read this, think carefully about each sentence and what it is saying to you.  Come back to the scripture again and study it.  Memorize it in your mind to call upon. 

Philippeans 4:4-8, NIV~ (I also like the New American Standard [NAS] which is another version of the scripture you may want to try).
"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you."