What do nervousness, restlessness, lack of sleep, tension, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, and panic have in common? They are all common symptoms of anxiety.
If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, then you know first-hand, it’s no joke. For some, anxiety is an everyday occurrence. For others, it drives you to social seclusion, keeping you locked in your home as much as possible. And in extreme cases, it can become so debilitating people need to seek professional help.
Whatever level of anxiety you’re facing today, I believe the truths of scripture can offer you some healing and hope.
Here are four truths of scripture to help you start winning over anxiety.
Trust in God’s provision.
Remember when everyone went crazy over toilet paper? No one saw that coming. Anxiety can often occur when we are worried about not having enough. We can become so anxious about what we don’t have we can’t enjoy what we do have.
When you start worrying about not having enough, that’s precisely the time you need to start trusting in God’s provision. What has he given you already? The Psalmist reminds us that “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” (Psalm 23:1)
Trust that God cares.
We often gauge how much someone cares for us by how much they do for us. And if they don’t do what we think is enough, we assume they don’t care. “If you cared about me, you would have done…” we say.
We often do this with God. We tell God, “If you loved me, I wouldn’t be going through this,” or “If God really cared, my family member would have never gotten sick,” etc. How many times have you said something similar?
Let me ask you, How much more does God have to do before you start believing that he cares for you?
The Bible tells you to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) He cared enough to give you Jesus and to help you with your anxiety. Cast your worries on him.
Put God first.
Jesus said, “Do not be anxious saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
In other words, the first thing you should do, instead of letting anxiety rule your day, is seek God. Keep up with your spiritual disciplines, even if you don’t feel like it. When you seek God first, you seek your worries about tomorrow less. It’s a good trade.
Tell God what you’re anxious about.
People who struggle with anxiety often keep it to themselves. As a result, it can get bottled up until it explodes. The Bible teaches us that God is the one person you should never keep your anxieties from.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
It’s time to tell God what you’re anxious about. He’s the one who can truly help.
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