Resolving anxiety

Anxiety is different from fear in that lacks an object or adequate cause. People are anxious because they are uncertain about a specific outcome or don’t know what is going to happen in the future. It is normal to be concerned about things we value, not to do so would demonstrate a lack of care.

You can be temporarily anxious about an examination yet to be taken, attendance at a planned function/activity, or the thread of an incoming storm. Such concern is normal and should ordinarily move you to responsible action. For some, the anxiety is more and prolonged. They struggle with a large number of worries and spend a lot of time and energy doing so. The intensity and frequency of the worrying are always out of proportion to the actual problem.

If persistent anxiety is a problem in your life, this exercise can help you to cast all your anxiety on Christ because He care for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Pray
Prayer is the first step in casting all your anxiety on Christ. Remember Paul’s word Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6). Ask God to guide you by expressing the following prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you as Your child purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I declare my dependence upon You, and I acknowledge my need of You. I know that apart from Christ I can do nothing. You know the thoughts and intentions of my heart and You know the situation I am in from the beginning to the end. I feel as though I am double-minded, and I need Your peace to guard my heart and my mind. I humble myself before you and choose to trust You to exalt me at the proper time in any way You choose. I place my trust in You to supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory and to guis me into all truth. I ask Your divine guidance to that I may fulfil my calling to live a responsible life by faith in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24). In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Resolve any personal and spiritual conflicts
The purpose of The Steps to Freedom in Christ is to help you get radically right with God and eliminate any possible influences of the devil on your mind. Remember, The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1). You will be a double-minded person if you pay attention to a deceiving spirit. You need to have the presence of God so that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

State the problem
A problem well-stated is halp-solved. In anxious states of mind, people typically can’t see the forest for the trees. Put the problem in perspective: will it matter for eternity? Generally speaking, the process of worrying takes a greater toll on a person than the negative consequences of what they worried about. Many anxious people find tremendous relief by simply having their problem clarified and put into perspective.

Separate the facts from the assumptions
People may be fearful of the facts, but not anxious. We’re anxious because we don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. Since we don’t know, we make assumptions. A peculiar trait of the mind is its tendency to assume the worst. If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive the mind to its axiety limits. If you make preassumptions about tomorrow, you will suffer the negative consequences, or stress and anxiety. Anxiety weighs down the heart (Proverbs 12:25). Therefore, as best as possible, verify all assumptions.

Determine what you have the right or ability to control
You are responsible for that which you have the right and ability to control. You are not responsible for that which you don’t. Your sense of worth is tied only to that for which you are responsible. If you aren’t living a responsible life, you should feel anxious! Don’t try to cast your responsibility onto Christ - He will throw it back to you. But do cast your anxiety onto Him, because His integrity is at stake in meeting your needs if you are living a responsible and righteous life.

List what is your responsibility
You need to commit yourself to be a responsible person and fulfil your calling and obligations in life.

The rest is God’s responsibility
Your only remaining responsibility is to continue to pray and focus on the truth according to Philippians 4:6-8, which says ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Any residual anxiety is probably due to your assuming responsibilities that God never intended you to have.