Anxiety

Anxiety.

Just reading that word can give feelings of stress.

Stress and Anxiety are something we all must deal with in our lives. Being a Christian is not a pass on that either.

Perhaps being a Christian may even add complication to our lives as we must also factor in morality to our decision making. We also cannot turn to the things that pacify the world when under stress like alcohol, nicotine, drugs, and sexual sin.

So where does that leave us?

When people are hurting emotionally, they will look for something that brings pleasure and buries the pain. Some of these things may not be sinful in nature, such as watching 100 episodes or your favorite TV show on Netflicks or obsessing into a hobby.  

There is however, a Biblical way to handle Stress and Anxiety.

It first helps to recognize what you have the power to change and what you do not. When we come to the place to see ONLY God can create a way out of this, we are then ready for the solution.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

A supernatural transaction happens here. It is not just a religious act we go through to help us feel better. 

This kind of prayer mixed with genuine faith WILL produce a real Peace in us which goes well beyond our human-reasoning. 

The Apostle Paul goes on to say:

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Paul was well-acquainted with Stress and Anxiety. Yet he learned the "secret." It is found in the verses between these two passages and has to do with a Transformed Mind:

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, 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 praise-worthy, think about such things.

So in summary, Pray, Thank God, think on Godly things, and have an attitude that you can make it through ALL situations with the God of Peace at your side!