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How to Reduce Anxiety
When I hear the news about the rapid spread of Coronavirus, my faith seems smaller than a mustard seed. Anxiety grips my heart. Worry torments my mind. As the stock market plummets daily, splotchy red welts spread across my body. Family demands drain every drop of energy. Chaos, panic, and unemployment abound. Everything I hear regarding the coronavirus seems scary. The struggle is real.
Dr. Phil, author, psychologist and TV host of a well-known forum on mental health, offers help by distinguishing anxiety from fear. Best-selling Christian author and pastor Max Lucado teaches on the topic. He says, “the presence of anxiety of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.”
In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to practice these three steps which I find helpful when anxiety imprisons my heart.
• Pray. I grab my cup of green tea infused with honey and meet with God. Daily I flood my journal with my raw emotions. I spew every concern that causes me to feel anxious, afraid or vulnerable during these unprecedented times. He hears my cry for help and responds with tender loving care. After all, I am His precious daughter, and He has compassion for me.
• Petition. I present all of my requests to God—I swallow my pride and share needs that cause me to feel vulnerable. I express the desires of my heart. Then, I listen for His still small voice by reading His love letters to me—the Holy Scriptures. He always answers. He equips me for every unknown situation that lies ahead.
• Praise. Anxiety challenges my ability to o express gratitude for blessings, so I think small. Remembering the warmth of sun on my face. The sound of family laughter. Friends. God’s grace and mercy.
This pandemic has disrupted our lives in unimaginable ways, but don’t despair or lose hope. God sees our anxiety and understands every fear. His character remains trustworthy in the midst of our troubles. With Him on our side, we stand on a proven, firm foundation. He delights in caring for us as we take His hand and cling to Him. Focus on God's rock-solid promises instead of swirling circumstances. When we tether our hearts to His, a divine exchange occurs—He takes our anxiety and blankets our hearts with His perfect peace.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Winding my way to God began when Daddy dropped me off at church.
I hate Christmas. When I think of celebrating, sadness wraps around me like a heavy, drab coat.
When I realized abuse resides in my home, I trembled and cried. God what should I do?
How could I stop the hurtful relationships? How could I overcome the heartache they caused?
I remember the first time I feared my husband . . .
Emotional abuse systematically wears away ones self-confidence and sense of worth.
My tumultuous emotions crashed like waves against boulders. Why do I feel beaten?
Feeling lonely hurts, but no matter how helpless and forgotten you feel, find hope here.
God, where are you in the midst of this pandemic?
Winding my way to God began when Daddy dropped me off at church.
I hate Christmas. When I think of celebrating, sadness wraps around me like a heavy, drab coat.
When I realized abuse resides in my home, I trembled and cried. God what should I do?
How could I stop the hurtful relationships? How could I overcome the heartache they caused?
I remember the first time I feared my husband . . .
Emotional abuse systematically wears away ones self-confidence and sense of worth.
My tumultuous emotions crashed like waves against boulders. Why do I feel beaten?
Feeling lonely hurts, but no matter how helpless and forgotten you feel, find hope here.
God, where are you in the midst of this pandemic?
Winding my way to God began when Daddy dropped me off at church.
When I realized abuse resides in my home, I trembled and cried. God what should I do?
How could I stop the hurtful relationships? How could I overcome the heartache they caused?
I remember the first time I feared my husband . . .
Emotional abuse systematically wears away ones self-confidence and sense of worth.
My tumultuous emotions crashed like waves against boulders. Why do I feel beaten?
When I hear the news about the rapid spread of Coronavirus, anxiety grips my heart.
Feeling lonely hurts, but no matter how helpless and forgotten you feel, find hope here.
God, where are you in the midst of this pandemic?
