Handling Anxiety the Biblical Way

In today's society, avoiding anxiety is close to impossible. There are many ways to deal with anxiety; there are medication, therapy, and relaxation exercises to name a few. Some people rely on religion. What does the bible say about anxiety and how to cope with it?

In Psalms 37:8-9, you find that worry can reveal a lack of faith in God's control.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret it only leads to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Anger and worry are two very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control. We should not worry; instead, we should trust in God, giving ourselves to him for his use and safekeeping. When you dwell on your problems, you will become anxious and angry. However, if you concentrate on God and his goodness, you will find peace. Sometimes the simplest solution to a problem is overlooked.

In Proverbs 20:24, the bible tells us not to worry if we cannot understand everything.

A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?

We are often confused by events around us and this generates anxiety. In today's society, knowing everything and being able to explain everything are expected in most people. Many things we will never understand; others will fall into place in years to come as we look back and see how God was working. This proverb counsels us not to worry if we do not understand everything as it happens. Instead, we should trust that God knows what he is doing, even if his timing is not clear to us.

Luke 12:22-26 you can find ways to resist worry and anxiety.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you not to worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens; they do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Jesus commands us not to worry. However, how can we avoid it? Only faith can free us from anxiety caused by greed and couvetness. It is good to work and plan responsibly. Worry is pointless because it cannot fill any of our needs; worry is foolish because God loves us and knows what we need. Many may say, then explain the homeless?" This goes back to Proverbs 20:24 where it is useless to worry about things we cannot understand. As it has been said, God moves in mysterious ways. He promises to meet all our needs, but not necessarily all our desires.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us another way to deal with anxiety through prayer.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

Imagine never being anxious about anything. It seems like the impossible. We all have worries on the job, in our homes, and at school. The word of God through Paul advises us to turn worries into prayers. If you want to worry less, then pray more. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

The following is seven reasons the bible gives us for not worrying and handling anxiety.

· The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. (Matthew 6:25)

· Worrying about the future effects how you feel today. (Matthew 6:26)

· Worrying is more harmful than helpful. (Matthew 6:27)

· God does not ignore those who depend on him. (Matthew 6:28-30)

· Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God. (Matthew 6:31,32)

· There are challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them. (Matthew 6:33)

· Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. (Matthew 6:34)