Supplemental Lesson: Dealing With Anxiety

Introduction

The Prevalence of Anxiety Today

Anxiety has exceeded depression as the number one mental illness in America.

It afflicts some six million Americans each day.

Are anxiety and depression the same?

No. Anxiety is more active than depression. It is a feeling of fear that arises inside, sometimes triggered by something, other times unexplainable.

Sources of Modern Anxiety

Stress

Medications

Mobile Devices

Social Media

The Problem of Poor Mental Processing

“Poor mental processing is thinking in a way that is unbiblical or unscriptural.” — Marc Monte

What is poor mental processing?

Thinking in a way that is unbiblical or unscriptural.

What are some examples of these types of thoughts?

Answers will vary.

The Principle of Peace of Mind

Proverbs 23:7 KJV 1900

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.

What is the verse in the Bible that the Principle of Biblical Thinking is based on?

Explain the cycle found in this verse.

Our thoughts produce our emotions, and our emotions drive our behavior.

Thinketh = Mind

Heart = Emotions

So is he = Behavior

“Our thoughts produce our emotions and our emotions drive our behavior.” — Marc Monte

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV 1900

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

My Thinking is Producing Emotions

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV 1900

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Is the statement, “I cannot control what I think about” in accordance with Scripture?

No. The Bible places the responsibility of our thoughts on us.

Capture the Thought — I Have to Think About My Thinking

Cast the Thought Down — If It Exalts Itself Against the Knowledge of God

“The basis of my anxiety is this: in my thinking, I have eliminated God from the equation.” — Marc Monte

Refuse the Thought — There are some I simply should not think about

Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

“It’s like a mental muscle — developing a mental muscle.” — James C. Johnson

According to Pastor Monte, the discipline of Biblical thinking usually takes 1, 2, or 3 weeks to develop?

3 weeks.

Reframe the Thought — Changing the Thought Will Change the Emotion

Give an example of the concept of reframing a thought.

My husband works too much —> My husband loves us and provides for us

Ruminating on the Truth

“The theme for the book of Philippians is Joy and Rejoicing, but the subplot is your mind. So in order to have that joy and rejoicing, you have to have the right mindset.” — James C. Johnson

Philippians 2:5 KJV 1900

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 3:13 KJV 1900

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Give some general examples of things that we should refuse to ruminate about.

Things that happened to us in the past. Things that have not happened in the future. The things that we cannot change.

Philippians 4:6 KJV 1900

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Careful = Full of Care

Care is a good thing, but being filled with care is a problem.

Philippians 4:6–7 KJV 1900

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“God is not a heavenly Xanax. He has given us things to do in the Bible and He expects that we will do these things.” — Marc Monte

The Process in Review:

Isolate the Thought

Reject Unbiblical Thoughts

Reframe Unhelpful Thoughts

Refuse Consuming Thoughts

Ruminating — Refuse Consuming Thoughts

A Paradigm (Rule):

I will not ruminate over anything that is beyond my control.

Matthew 6:34 KJV 1900

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

1 Peter 5:7 KJV 1900

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

The Biblical Prescription for Thinking is Godly

Hebrews 10:17 KJV 1900

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Does God forget our sins? What is the concept of Hebrews 10:17?

God does not forget anything, but he does not bring our sins to mind anymore.

1 John 1:9 KJV 1900

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

“He doesn’t remember it [my sin] anymore, why do I?” — Marc Monte

Conclusion

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

“If it hasn’t happened, it isn’t true!” — Marc Monte

Links to this video and additional videos/sermons on this topic are available @ www.plainfieldbaptistgr.com/members