Biblical Answer

Dealing with Anxiety: A Biblical Perspective

As Christians, we understand that anxiety is a natural part of life, but it's not something we need to live with. In fact, the Bible encourages us to "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). This means that we don't have to be controlled by anxiety, but rather we can choose to bring our worries and concerns to God in prayer.

Understanding the Root of Anxiety

Before we can deal with anxiety, we need to understand the root of it. Often, anxiety stems from fear, and when we're not honest with ourselves about our fears, they can take control of our lives. The Bible encourages us to "search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). By getting honest with ourselves and God, we can begin to see the areas of our lives where fear is driving our anxiety. This is where the Spirit of God can do His work in our hearts, showing us what we need to work on and how to live a more peaceful life.

Practical Steps to Overcoming Anxiety

So, how do we practically overcome anxiety? The Bible encourages us to "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). This means that we need to make time to pray, to talk to God about our lives and our worries. We also need to learn to meditate on Scripture, to focus on the truth of God's Word and let it transform our minds. And when we're feeling anxious, we need to take a step back and breathe, looking for where God is at work and joining in. By following these practical steps, we can learn to live a life that's not controlled by anxiety, but rather by the peace of God.