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Anxiety Portfolio
We are living in unprecedented days which have brought significant changes to our lives. Some of us are sheltering in place while others are working overtime on the front lines. No matter where we are, we may be sensing anxiety about our circumstances and what tomorrow might look like.
From my research and books, here are some of the principles that I’ve tested and found trustworthy for dealing with anxiety.
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Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB) says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Although several scriptures in the Bible counsel against worry and anxiety, there’s nothing wrong with having a healthy concern for our circumstances. Acknowledging and dealing with challenges is necessary, so how do we know the difference between healthy concern and unhealthy anxiety or worry?
Philippians 4:8 shows us how we can reprogram our minds to avoid falling into the pit of unhealthy anxiety. It says: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
As we seek God in in the midst of our circumstances, it is healthy to keep our minds on things of God. Keeping our minds on good and positive things
will help us avoid falling into negative thoughts and feelings which can be harmful.
Make a commitment with your friends and family members to work on keeping your thoughts on positive things and hold each other accountable. We may not be in control of our circumstances, but we can learn to handle them in a healthy way.
Anxiety Scriptures:
• Matthew 6:25-34 • Philippians 4:6-7 • 1 Peter 5:7 • 2 Corinthians 11:28 • Philippians 2:20 (RSV) • 1 John 4:18 • Hebrews 13:6 • 1 Samuel 16:23 • Psalm 127:2 • Psalm 131:1-3 • Psalm 139:1-23 • Proverbs 12:25 • Luke 12:22-26
A good source: “Peace. Overcoming Anxiety.” Tim Keller, YouTube, August 10, 2015.
