How can I overcome my anxiety?

Introduction

The foundation of anxiety is fear. Anxiety can be defined as an uneasiness of mind and brooding fear about some contingency. It is safe to say, we all deal with anxiety. But, how do we overcome anxiety? In Philippians 4:4-9, the apostle Paul give guidance that I believe we all should follow to help us overcome the anxieties we face in this life.

Philippians 4:4–9 NIV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

What does God say?

Do you know what God says about how we should manage anxiety?

Matthew 6:25–34 NIV

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Imperative statements:

Rejoice in the LORD, always

Let your gentleness

Do not be anxious

present your request

think about

put into practice

Common word

God

peace (wholeness; tranquility; lack of hostility)

rejoice

heart (moral or intellectual life or emotions)/mind (though that proceed purpose)/think

Two sections that are unified in theme of peace

vv. 4-7: Four imperatives to solve problem of anxiety

vv. 8-9: Cultivate a peaceful environment

vv. 4-5

Our rejoicing (gladness) is in the LORD, always

Gentleness (kindness; selflessness; humility) be made know. Why? The LORD is near

vv. 6-7

Do not be anxious for anything but in everything by (means) prayer and petition/supplication (asking of what you are in need of), with thanksgiving, make known your request to God. (When do we often give thanks?) Note: What is implied when we ask God is that we trust God because He is who He says He is and He knows what is best for us.

Peace of God, not your peace, transcends all understanding (knowledge), will guard your heart (moral or intellectual life or emotions) and mind (thought that proceed purpose) in Christ Jesus

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (3) Exhortation to Joy and Peace (4:4–9)

Prayer cures anxiety. Here three words describe prayer. Each contributes to a proper understanding of the comprehensive nature of the prayer life. The point, however, is that prayer relieves the problem of anxiety. The center of the verse is the significant part: Prayer is to be offered “with thanksgiving.” The attitude of gratitude accompanies all true approaches to the Father.

v. 8

think about these things: 7 qualities

true - truthful/dependability

noble - worthy of respect

right - just towards others

pure - holy in relation to God

lovely - that which calls for love

admirable - praiseworthy/attractive

excellent or praiseworthy - morally attractive and what is praiseworthy of God

v. 9

put into practice the things learned, received, heard and saw about/in Paul

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (3) Exhortation to Joy and Peace (4:4–9)

God’s peace especially resides in those who have ordered their lives in accordance with God’s will. This includes proper and disciplined thoughts and good Christian living. Thus the two sets of instructions on peace complement each other. When anxiety appears, the cure is prayer. When the life is disorderly, the cure is mental and practical discipline

What do you do?

Read passage of Scripture on “peace” each day this week accompanied by from Psalm 23

Psalm 23 NIV

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.