Finding Peace during Anxious Times
Anxiety can be a crippling condition that can affect anyone when it is not controlled and managed properly. It comes and attacks with a different level of severity. When it is not managed, it escalates into a Severe Anxiety Disorder (SAD) that requires a higher level of intervention by a professional counselor, a therapist, and a psychiatrist.
The Bible, through the Apostle Paul warns us to be “anxious for nothing but in everything let your requests be made known unto God.” We are being warned that anything or anyone in this world can trigger anxiety. While we cannot avoid or prevent what can trigger it, as Christians, we have been given the power through Christ to manage it in order for God’s intended purpose to be completed in us. Remember, God allows everything for a reason.
Let us consider what the Bible says in dealing with anxious thoughts. I call it “anxious thoughts” because it starts in the mind. The process is clearly defined here. When it comes :
1.Consider and accept that whatever is happening is intended by God for a good reason.
⁃Instead of worrying and reacting, respond by prayer with thanksgiving. We need to trust on God’s intended purpose by submitting to His will.
2.When you feel anxious, begin to identify the cause or what triggers it. Avoid reacting emotionally or impulsively.
⁃Never allow emotion to control you. Think reasonably through the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
⁃Have a prayerful conversation with God to ask for wisdom and understanding.
⁃This will bring calmness in the mind that will allow to keep our hearts and mind in Christ.
⁃Approach and respond cognitively by applying logic, reason, and proper emotion. These are God-given faculties to help us think right.
3.Anxious thoughts can result in anxious behavior and physical symptoms. You can avoid the escalationa by:
⁃Doing a slow breathing exercise by inhaling (nose) in the count of 4 and exhaling (mouth) slowly in the count of 8. Do this several times to relax and to calm down. This helps in de-stressing. When you are calm, you can think and process better.
⁃You can also do the rhythmic controlled breathing exercise by inhaling through the nose in a count of 4, hold your breath in a count of 4, then exhale through the mouth in a count of 8 slowly.
4.Focus on truthful and reality thinking through prayer, meditation, visualization, etc.
⁃This is not “positivity thinking”for God can also use negative experiences in life to teach us wonderful truths and lessons.
⁃Always Meditate on God’s wonderful and comforting promises.
5.Let not the good and truthful thoughts remain in the mind. The Bible says whatever we have heard, have seen, have learned Do! And the Peace of God shall be with you!
⁃Apply and work it out by faith!
Finally, there is nothing unscriptural in seeking a professional counselor or therapist, who can assist you to better understand and help process your anxious condition. Just be sure to go to someone who is a believer in Christ.
The International Bible Baptist Church and HIM Counseling Services - A ministry of IBBC & Ever Care Foundation is here to help. You can call or text (510) 276-4222 or (925) 408-2083. Also, through the following connect link. https://ibbcministries.com/connect-card
We have trained and certified Christian counselors and Mental health coaches to help you: We are certified through BOAIBBCo and AACC.
With me, Dr J Hernes Abante as the Counseling Director, here are the names of our trained Christian counselors here in the US and the Philippines: Angie Abante, Romina Barcarse, Joni Genato Abrasaldo, Amor Sison-Spiers, Patricia Sera Josef Jiao, Victor O. Tolentino, Nancy Legaspi Bico, Elma Cambaliza Aquino, Arville Arriola.
You can also send your prayer request here. https://ibbcministries.com/prayer-request
God bless you!