Here are some practical tips to rid yourself from anxiety and panic attacks from the wisdom of the bible. I provided bible references, which I encourage you to read; just hover over the verse to see it!
1. Realize that God cares for you and has the power to provide for you. God has issued a cease and desist order against anxiety because of the sovereign care that he has for us, so we must first believe this. Matthew 6:25-34
2. Realize you can defeat this with God. Many of us believe that it is a chemical imbalance or problem, but the power is in our hands not to worry if we have the Holy Spirit through a relationship with God. Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:13
3. Think only on today. Feeling guilty about the past, or worrying about the future is only harmful. Philippians 3:13-14; Matthew 6:34
4. Look to the providing power of God from the past. If you are worrying about the future, look at how God provided in the past, are you still here? Good, he provided; He will sustain you in the future. Luke 22:35; Nehemiah 9:21
5. Stop trying to stop fearing. Worrying about fear is often the root of fear. Instead, focus on fearing God first and other fear will often disappear because it is not our primary thought and obsession. Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 6:24
6. Thankfulness! Thankfulness is a great key to release one from fear and worry. Think of the good things in your life. Take time to pray and thank God for everything/anything you can! 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6
7. Put off bad thoughts and put on Godly thoughts. We are to get our mind off dark and evil things, stop focusing on what we are worrying about, and instead focus on what is truthful, noble, righteous, gracious, praiseworthy and pure. Sometimes this means cutting off the T.V and picking up the bible, changing friends, etc. Philippians 4:8
8. Meditate on the Bible, particularly the Psalms. There are many specific Psalms for the anxious, and reading the bible will often bring a calm heart. Psalm 1:2; Read Psalms, Read Job.
9. Humbleness! Being humble means humbly accepting any hardship God puts into our life. Many times, if we humbly accept the fact that we will fear, and say to God "if I have fear and worry, I will just have to have it and I will put it into your hands" than fear and worry disappear. 1 Peter 5:6-7; Philippians 4:6
10. Contentment. We are told from the bible to be content in ALL circumstances, not just good ones. Contentment means to accept and trust the situations you are in without complaining or worrying. Anxiety often comes from faith and confidence in the providence of God. Hardship is often for our own good, so be content, and consider it pure joy! James 1:2-4; 1 Timothy 6:6
11. Do not try this alone. Being alone often causes anxiety to get worse. Many might tell you to sit in a room and work through your problems, but I say get out and talk to others, especially people that will help you focus on right things! We need people; seclusion and self-focus is not the answer. Proverbs 24:6; Hebrews 10:25; Proverbs 12:25
I hope these tips will encourage the anxious, and give them ways to defeat anxiety! I believe if we truly put these into practice God can cure the anxiety of our heart and turn it into joy!
*Some ideas paraphrased from John MacArthur's "Anxious for Nothing".
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