Dealing with anxiety

By Don Mears

Anxiety is a close companion of many in our society. Uncertainty about the future, fears about our jobs, our families: all can be causes of anxiety. What can we do to defeat anxiety and enjoy peace of mind?

In his letter to the Christians in Philippi, the apostle Paul gave some advice that provides us with a scriptural program for dealing with anxiety. Remember that Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell, facing the likelihood of being executed. He knew a thing or two about anxiety.

* Resolve to obey: "Do not be anxious about anything" (Philippians 4:6). This is a reminder of Jesus' command recorded in Matthew 6:25: "Do not worry." Determine to obey God in this command as in others. Since he commands us not to worry, he implies that worry is something that we can, with his help, bring under our control.

Worry is something we choose to do, not something we are doomed to by our temperament or our feelings. If we choose to worry, he can help us choose not to worry. Whatever he commands, he makes possible for us to obey. He won't accept the response, "But I can't help it!"

* Remember to pray: "In everything, by prayer and petition ... present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). Put your cares on him. Do it consciously: make a decision to take your concerns to God, then follow through.

Don't waste time worrying when you could be using that time to pray. And do it frequently: as often as you feel anxiety setting in, resort to prayer. Tell trusted friends of your anxieties, and ask them to pray for and with you.

* Reinforce the positive: "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).

Have sources of positive ideas you can quickly go to. Make a list of encouraging scriptures, and keep it handy when worries crowd in. Listen to inspiring music. Turn to a book or a poem that fires your imagination and courage. Talk with a close and encouraging friend.

* Practice goodness: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, put it into practice" (Philippians 4:9). Commit yourself to practical holiness. Do something for someone else. That will divert your attention from yourself and your fears to others and their needs. Also remember that unrepented sin creates guilt and increases anxiety, so don't delay in taking known sins to God for his forgiveness.

* Be thankful: "In everything, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). Thanksgiving promotes contentment by reminding us of how God has taken care of our needs in the past. And it brings a sense of proportion to our lives when troubles tend to crowd blessings out of our memories.

* Remember Jesus is there for you: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). Jesus has not promised that we will be without troubles, but he has committed himself to be with us, to share our burdens and make them manageable. Call on him and he will answer.

Don Mears is regional pastor in Big Sandy, Texas.

Sept. 16, 1997, WN, page four

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