A lot of us struggle with feeling anxious.
Whether it is a test in school, work-related drama, the stress in our relationships, low self-esteem, money troubles – you name it, we feel it.
Don’t we? We physically feel it in our bodies!
Where our minds go, our bodies follow.
Emotional struggles (stress) manifest in our bodies. It can show up immediately/loudly through headaches, tight muscles, sick stomachs, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and the shakes.
Or it can show up quietly/slowly like ulcers, digestion issues, weight gain, memory impairment, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
The Mayo Clinic has stress management tips including:
· Eating a healthy diet
· Getting regular exercise
· Getting plenty of sleep
· Practicing relaxation techniques
· Keeping a journal or grateful list
· Take time for hobbies
· Foster healthy friendships
· Have a sense of humor
· Seek counseling
And I would say, YES, include these practices in your life!
In addition, the Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
So, we do what we KNOW to do as humans, but we go one step further and understand that God’s Word is the final Word.
We live in a physical world, and we need to do physical things in order to survive (eat, sleep, poop, pay bills, right?) We are emotional beings. We must be aware of our emotional wellness and do things to help us stay in a good space mentally.
Not only are we physical and emotional beings, we are also spiritual beings. There is a part of us that is eternal. So, we must consider this too.
So, what DOES the Bible say about Anxiety?
Philippians 4:6-8
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.
Finally…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.
Let’s break that down. It says this:
Do not be anxious about anything
In every situation pray and talk to God about it
When you talk to Him, be thankful
Present your requests to God
AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO THIS?
It says:
God’s peace (which by the way, is beyond our understanding!) It’s the kind of peace we can have when our whole world is crashing down around us. It’s a deep, inner knowing that it will all work out and be okay. Don’t you want THIS kind of peace?
God’s peace guards our hearts and minds.
Answer me this, what is attacked when we are feeling anxious? Our hearts and our minds!
The Bible adds what we SHOULD be thinking about in order to help keep us out of that anxiety zone!
We think about:
Whatever is true
Whatever is noble
Whatever is right
Whatever is pure
Whatever is lovely
Whatever is admirable
Whatever is excellent
Whatever is praiseworthy
We do not use some of these words regularly so here’s what they mean…think about
Truthful – no lies
Noble – wellborn
Right – appropriate/proper
Pure – authentic
Lovely – beautiful/engaging
Admirable – valuable/wonderful
Excellent – magnificent/great
Praiseworthy – creditable/honorable
When we do what the Bible tells us, we have what we need to ward off anxiety. We are equipped.
Yes, do we take care of our physical needs – yes!
Do we seek out healthy people to unload at times – sure!
But we ALSO obey the Word of God.
We do what we KNOW to do – and then we REST in the One who sees us.
One of God’s names is El Roi….the God that Sees You.
Rest assured, He sees you, He knows you, He loves you, and He is waiting for you to acknowledge Him.
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Bible Gateway
Mayo Clinic
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