Dealing with Anxiety Biblically

Dealing with Anxiety Biblically

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

The idea that “Christians have it all together” is not accurate. Many people in the church are struggling with anxiety and depression. We have seen preachers and ministers of the gospel committing suicide because of depression in recent times. Anxiety should not be taken lightly.

The truth is:

However spiritual you are, there are things you are going to face that will weigh you down.  Loved ones will disappoint you, people in the church may hurt you. You may lose your job or business, and your loved one may pass away. None of us can run away from difficult times.

Pretending that you are okay so that you can save face will not make everything okay.  Admitting that you are anxious and finding ways of dealing with anxiety will help you avoid depression and its effects.

But how should Christians deal with anxiety?

By Praying

The first and best way to deal with your anxious thoughts is to pray.  See,  only God can give you rest.  He is the only one who knows what you need and how you can get it.  Go to him in prayer and pour out your heart to him. (1Peter 5:7)

Some people believe that we should not tell God how we feel. But when you look at some of the prayers in Psalms, you see the Psalmist pouring his heart out to God when he was depressed. Don’t act fine or hold back,  tell God exactly how you feel.  He can handle all the troubles of your heart. (Psalm 42:4)

Read the Word

It is hard to read the word when you are depressed, but it is the best thing to do because it is only in knowing what God says about your situation that you are able to become strong in faith. If you do not stand firm in the word of God, you will become a victim of Satan’s lies.  Study the Word,  meditate on it and use it to fight against the lies of the enemy. (Proverbs 12:25)

Talk to someone

At times we are too anxious that we fail to listen to the voice of God.  A spiritual friend or leader will help you deal with anxiety.  They may be the channel through which God will use to reach you and heal your soul.

Praise God

Yes,  you may look at praise as part of prayer, but most of us only tell God our problems when we pray.  Praise means focusing on God irrespective of what is happening to you. David encouraged himself in the Lord through prayer. So stop looking at your situation. Do not allow thoughts of anxiety to flood your mind.  Take them captive and choose to praise God.  Focus on how big God is and not how big the problem is. (Psalm 118: 1-18)

Though we are believers, we struggle with wrong thoughts from time to time.  Anxiety is not something that should be taken lightly. Turn to God,  praise him,  talk to a friend, and encourage yourself in the Lord through scriptures and songs. God loves you even when you are anxious, turn your cares to him, and he will help you.

Tags: No tags

Leave a Comment