Anxiety can come and bite us at the strangest times. We may think everything is going to plan and that we have our lives under control, and then suddenly, it hits us; the feeling that we are drowning in something far bigger than ourselves. We realize that we aren’t in control at all and a feeling of panic sets in. Read on for some strategies for dealing with anxiety along with seven Bible verses for times of anxiety.
As human beings, our emotions are changeable, but God's Word never changes. It is a firm foundation beneath our feet, and when we feel the waves of anxiety threaten to submerge us, we can cling to God, our rock, and know that in Him, we can never be shaken. Learning Scriptures by heart can really help us to remember His Word when we need it: before a job interview, in the middle of the night, or while stuck in traffic.
Anxiety is common and we all experience it to a degree but according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 31% of US adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Anxiety can be caused by things going on in our world, for example, anxiety about paying the bills. It could also be something on a more global scale, for example, the fear caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This type of anxiety is normal and can come and go throughout our lives. For people with an anxiety disorder, however, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork and relationships.
Anxiety can show itself through various symptoms and according to NIMH in America, some of the symptoms are: - feeling restless, wound-up or on-edge - being easily fatigued - having difficulty concentrating - being irritable - having headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches or unexplained pains - difficulty controlling feelings of worry - having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep If you are experiencing severe anxiety that is interfering with your day-to-day life, you should seek professional help.
Depending on the severity of the anxiety, there are several methods of treating it. These include CBT and psychotherapy. It can also be treated with medication. There are some well-known strategies for dealing with anxiety. These are generally considered good practice for looking after your mental health.
The Glorify App has been designed with the aim of helping people to meet with God daily and there you can find narrated Bible readings, guided meditations and a verse for each day, helping you to meet with God wherever you are, on the go or at home. If you would like to read more on anxiety, have a look at our well-being blogs on the Glorify website.
1. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 What better answer to anxiety can there be? Just stop. Breathe. Remember that He is God and all of this is in His hands. 2. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 God is there for you in your struggles. He is with you when you feel alone. Pour out your heart to Him in prayer. 3. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." Psalm 23:4 In this, the most famous of all the Psalms, we remember that He is with us, whatever we walk through. 4. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7 This shows us the key. When we became Christians, God said we no longer needed to carry our burdens. We can give them to Jesus instead.
5. "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:2 This Psalm shows the despair of the psalmist turning to joy when he remembers hope and sings a new song. 6. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 Jesus gives peace that is beyond anything that this world can give. He is the answer to all of our troubles so call on Him. 7. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 Neither mental health struggles nor any other type of struggle will be able to separate us from God's love. Remember that. I hope that these Bible verses for anxiety help you to remember the rock of ages in times of trouble. He is the one that outlasts everything else. He never changes. Remember that you are His beloved child and that you can come to Him at any time. You can pour out your burdens to Him knowing that you are loved and accepted. Accept His peace because He gives not as the world gives.
Heavenly Father, I cast my burdens onto You. I give You these feelings of anxiety that threaten to overwhelm me. Give me Your peace now, Father. Thank You that I am safe in You. Amen. Photos by Carrie Borden on Unsplash
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