3 Simple Steps of Fighting Anxiety

Everyone deals with anxiety at some point in his or her life. Normal anxiety occurs when a person feels out of control, uncertain about the future, or stressed over current or future circumstances. According to modern research, there has been a major upswing in anxiety among young people due to social media trends and sleep deprivation. (cited)

It might surprise you to know that the Bible has quite a bit to say about anxiety. God’s desire for children is that we not live in a state of anxiety. Take a look at one of my favorite passages on the subject of anxiety.

Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Easier said and done, right! Dealing with anxiety is much more than learning to breath. You must first understand where anxiety comes from so that you can stop it before it starts.

According to the verse above, anxiety comes from a lack of trust and faith in God. This makes since when we realize control is a facade. We have no idea what tomorrow may bring and we couldn’t control it if we wanted too. So, we have to trust. We have to trust that the sun is going to come up as it always has. We have to trust that people are going to do what they say they are going to do. We have to trust that every person flying toward us in a car knows what they’re doing and is paying attention.

In a world of uncertainty, how can we ever find peace? Here are 3 simple steps to fight your normal anxiety.

First, put your trust in the one person you can count on. God has a track record of always doing what he says he will do. He is the only sure thing in the world and is the only one in control. People are completely unstable but God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Second, when you don’t know what to do, ask God for wisdom and understanding.

James 1:5 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

God hears and answers the prayers of his children. Prayer is comforting because you are patitioning the one who sees all tenses at the same time. There is a catch though. You must ask in faith. Let’s read on.

James 1:6–8 (ESV) 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Faith is the key that unlocks the wisdom and knowledge of God in your life. For those who have no faith they also have no hope. They can only trust in themselves and they know they don’t have the answers. Thus anxiety rules the day. But those who put their faith in the Lord, hear from God, and find comfort in his answer.

Third, rest in the peace and security that comes from knowing God. When you trust God, he guards your heart and mind against anxiety.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV) 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace is the absence of anxiety. The goal is to live in the peace of God. God is at peace because he knows all things. Let God rule your heart and mind and you will live in his peace, even in a world that makes no since.