Regaining Peace of Mind When Faced with Anxiety and Fear
Take Control of Your Thoughts
Let’s face it: Life is full of trials. People can be difficult to love. Circumstances can seem unfair. Obstacles can appear larger than our ability to overcome, and this world can be pretty scary at times.
And yet, as Christians, we are commanded to “be joyful always” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).
How is that possible?
Well, it doesn’t mean that we have to enjoy or be thankful for bad circumstances, but we can be thankful for the hope that we have in Jesus, who is with us in the midst of those circumstances and is over all things.
However, many times, we allow negative thoughts to hang out in our minds, stealing our joy and peace.
Although it’s not always easy to do, when we choose to focus on God, and the things that are important to Him, His power is released into our lives.
Are you waiting for a breakthrough?
What are you focusing on most of the time: God and what He can do in your life or your problems?
We have all been there and understand what it’s like to be fearful about things we cannot control, or don’t understand, and if we are not careful, those negative feelings can result in the inability to move forward with what God is asking us to do. For some, it can even result in anxiety, depression, anger, and bitterness.
But there is good news: We can choose to take control of our thoughts.
“Finally, brothers, 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” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
We have to be careful what we allow to infiltrate our minds. We have to consciously guard against the junk.
But how do we put this into practice?
1. Practical Application
The next time you find that negative feelings are welling up in your mind, instead of phoning a friend to simply complain, decide to take control of your thoughts and refocus them on Jesus. It may sound really basic, but it is, oh, so powerful.
2. Pray
Prayer should be the first thing we do, not the last thing because everything else has failed. Do it immediately. Take your concerns and present them to God. Allow Him to deal with your circumstances. He’s the only one who really knows what’s going on and what needs to happen, anyway, right?
3. Dig into the Word
Let God’s Word permeate your mind. I have found that when I am feeling anxious about anything, and I sit down and read His words, to me, I begin to relax.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV).
His Word is alive, and it does a work inside of us. The next time you are feeling anxious about anything, try it!
Oh people, we are so blessed! Think about it:
God is our provider.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
God is our protector.
“But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me” (Psalm 55:16-18 NIV).
God is our defender.
“All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:11-13 NIV).
God is the ultimate promoter.
“But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another (Psalm 75:7 NIV).
When we choose to take all things to God in prayer and focus upon His Word rather than worry, we gain the following benefits:
We are reminded of His faithfulness, regardless of our circumstances or our behavior, which produces joy.
It keeps us within the will of God. We are not tempted to take matters into our own hands instead of waiting on God. He knows the plans He has for you, and His timing is perfect.
We get to live happier, peace-filled, joyful lives because our feelings are not subject to what others do or don’t do.
God is in control…always. Man is not. Remember that.
For us, it means freedom to enjoy our lives, and it honors God.
Takeaways
Control the things you allow your mind to dwell on. Bring all things before God: your joys and fears.
The God who made the universe is in charge, no matter what anyone believes. He will take care of you.
He can cause good to come to you from the most unlikely sources. (Check out the book of Ezra. When God’s people were rebuilding the temple, God had their enemies provide things for them.)
Don’t let Satan tell you that you have no hope. If you are a Christian, and you have given your life to Jesus Christ, you have a God who fights for you. Trust Him.
What are you holding onto that needs to be laid at the feet of Jesus? Allow Him to deal with those things on your behalf.
*NIV (1984)
