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1. Anxiety is an inappropriate response to circumstances

Anxiety is, at its core, an inappropriate response in light of circumstances; it's very different from the cares and concerns in life that cause people to attend to business in a responsible way.

Defining anxiety. Anxiety goes beyond normal stress and concern, manifesting as an overwhelming fear that can cause physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and perspiration. It often stems from unfounded fears and can lead to panic attacks in extreme cases.

Distinguishing from responsibility. Unlike anxiety, stress and pressure can be positive forces that strengthen us to meet life's challenges. The apostle Paul, for example, faced external pressures and internal concerns for the churches, yet remained steadfast in his faith and mission.

Biblical perspective. The Bible consistently teaches against worry and anxiety:

• Jesus said three times, "Do not be anxious" (Matthew 6:25, 31, 34)
• Paul instructed, "Be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6)
• Worry at any time is considered a sin as it violates clear biblical commands

2. Prayer is the foremost way to avoid anxiety

Instead of praying to God with feelings of doubt, discouragement, or discontent, we are to approach Him with a thankful attitude before we utter even one word.

Grateful prayer. When facing difficulties, approach God with thanksgiving, recognizing His promises:

• He won't allow anything too difficult for us to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• He works everything for our good (Romans 8:28)
• He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us in suffering (1 Peter 5:10)

Example of Jonah. Even in extreme circumstances, like being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah responded with thankful prayer. He acknowledged God's sovereignty and expressed confidence in His ability to deliver.

Peace through prayer. Praying with gratitude leads to "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension" (Philippians 4:7). This peace guards our hearts and minds, providing inner calm and tranquility regardless of circumstances.

3. Humility and trust in God's care are essential for peace

Humble yourselves … casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Defining humility. Humility involves recognizing that you're not too good to serve others or handle tasks that seem beneath you. It's an attitude that Jesus exemplified when He washed His disciples' feet.

God's response to humility. The Bible teaches that:

• God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5)
• He dwells with the contrite and lowly of spirit (Isaiah 57:15)
• He looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit (Isaiah 66:2)

Trusting God's care. Humility allows us to trust God's care fully. This trust enables us to cast all our anxieties on Him, knowing He genuinely cares for us and is in control of everything.

4. God's peace is divine, a gift, and always available

God's peace is not subject to anything that happens in the worldly realm. It is not built on any human relationship. It is not built on any human circumstance.

Divine origin. God's peace is an attribute of His nature. He is never stressed, anxious, or worried because He's in charge of everything and can operate everything perfectly according to His will.

A gracious gift. This peace is a sovereign gift given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It's not earned or achieved through human effort but freely given by God to His people.

Constant availability. God's peace is continually available to believers. However, we can interrupt its flow by giving in to our flesh and basing our happiness on fleeting worldly things instead of our permanent condition in Christ.

5. Right thinking and actions lead to spiritual peace

To tackle worry and anxiety in a biblical fashion, first we need to know the primary Scripture passages on the topic. Then we need to consider those passages in their context, not merely cite and recite them unthinkingly or use them as props for a nice story or a suggested behavior-modifying technique.

Renewing the mind. Peace comes from aligning our thinking with God's Word. This involves:

• Meditating on Scripture
• Focusing on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute (Philippians 4:8)
• Replacing anxious thoughts with godly virtues

Practical steps:

1. Turn away from sin
2. Accept God's challenges as part of His refining process
3. Do good and live righteously
4. Endure difficulties, knowing God is using them to perfect you

Result of right thinking. As we renew our minds and align our actions with God's Word, we become different people. We gain confidence in dealing with anxiety and can aggressively approach overcoming it.

6. God's grace enables us to overcome anxiety

If you understand that God is using all the difficulties you face to perfect you, you'll be at peace. It is not all for nothing.

Understanding grace. God's grace is His goodness given to those who don't deserve it. It saves us, helps us cope with anxieties, equips us for service, and enables spiritual growth.

Grace in difficulties. Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" demonstrates how God's grace is sufficient in our weaknesses. When we are weak, God's power is perfected in us.

Accessing grace. To receive God's grace:

• Trust God
• Turn from sin
• Endure the refining process
• Do good
• Live by the Word

As we align ourselves with God's will, He infuses us with His peace and grace, crowding out anxiety.

7. Meditate on Psalms to combat anxious thoughts

These excerpts from the Psalms are especially intended to attack anxiety. They movingly express and offer counsel in dealing with anxious thoughts and feelings we all have experienced.

Power of Psalms. The Psalms provide:

• Comfort in times of distress
• Examples of faith in difficult circumstances
• Reminders of God's faithfulness and care

Practical application:

1. Read through the Psalms, marking those that resonate with your experiences
2. Carefully study the marked passages, perhaps using different translations
3. Narrow down to a few key Psalms that minister to you most
4. Examine these in their full context, using commentaries for deeper understanding

Key themes in Psalms for anxiety:

• God as a refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1)
• Trusting in God's care (Psalm 55:22)
• Finding rest in God alone (Psalm 62:1-2)
• God's presence in trouble (Psalm 91:14-15)

Last updated: October 12, 2024