A n x i e t y

Anxiety is a reaction to stress ranging from a feeling of uneasiness to panic. Anxiety is usually brought about by nonspecific causes. It’s a state of apprehension, tension, fret and worry.

There are two major forms of anxiety and can vary in intensity and influence. Anxiety can be healthy in its moderate form. We all suffer from time to time from this mild form of anxiety. Dr. Gary Collins in his book "Christian Counseling" says concerning the moderate form of anxiety, that this healthy form can be motivational and encouraging when approaching a new project or to help you avoid a dangerous situation.

The intense form of anxiety is more stressful. This form of anxiety is where we need help to overcome the stress. The intense form of anxiety can make rational decisions difficult, arouse panic, or cause unpleasant physical symptoms.

The causes of anxiety are usually brought about by non-specific stresses, or unconscious influences, such as insecurity, being overly concerned, or a failure to meet goals or needs. Causes could be threat, danger, separation or even self-worth disorders. Anxiety in its intense form may bring on panic, fear, phobias, anxiety attacks and may come from imaginary or unknown threats.

When anxiety comes it is important to realize what the stressful situation really is. It may be necessary to remove yourself from the stressful situation, at least temporarily.

Scripture can often calm the person who puts their faith in God. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation (anxiety) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (anxious) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (anxiety) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. God tells us to be more relaxed in tension producing situations, gain a more accurate picture of reality and identify the cause.

Direction from God’s Word tells us to be careful (anxious) for nothing, to develop a sense of rejoicing, dwell on positive thoughts. Realize that God has given us the ability to control the thought process and even change our thoughts. Trust in God and learn to cope. We learn to cope by talking about fears, communicate effectively, fellowshipping with God’s people and seeking help from others. (Parenthesis mine)

I Peter 5:7; "Casting ALL your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Jeremiah 33:3; "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty (hidden) things, which thou knowest not." (Parenthesis mine)

John 15:7; "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

Psalms 32:7&8; "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

Proverbs 3:5&6; "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Philippians 4:6; "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God."

(Parenthesis mine)

Philippians 4:4; "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice."

II Corinthians 8:11; "Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have."

(JUST DO IT)

Isaiah 41:10; "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 41:13;
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."

Job11:15; "For then shal thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:"

Hebrews 13:6; "So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Philippians 4:7; "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 6:10; "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."