Overcoming Anxiety
by Robert Alanis

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”  Proverbs 12:25


Here are some statistics regarding anxiety:

• One in every eight Americans age 18-54 suffers from an anxiety disorder. This totals over 19 million people.
• Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental health has shown that anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem among American women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men.
• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America, surpassing even depression in numbers.
• Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. $46.6 billion annually.

Webster’s dictionary describes anxiety as, “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self- doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.”

This fast-paced society is placing such a demand upon our time and as a result has created a tremendous amount of pressure as it leads into forming a lifestyle full of stress and anxiety. Our physical bodies eventually begin to experience a breakdown finding it necessary for the consumption of prescription drugs that can be addictive. Once this takes place the body will let you know that this is not normal by the side-effects it will produce.

If you have or are going through a transition in your life, moving into the unknown or unfamiliar areas can also produce anxiety. Life is full of changes and it is dependent upon your response to these changes that will determine your outcome. We must admit to our own limitations and learn to trust God to make up the difference. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

As you read in the opening scripture “a good word makes the heart glad”. The heart is who we are and what we hear and believe from there will affect our bodies. You could be struggling from obtaining a glad heart because of the anxiety that may have dominated your life. God has made available for you to experience a life full of joy. This is why it is important that you apply what God has promised in your daily life. God will not lie to you! Here is a good word from Him:

“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

This scripture gives the answer that helps to avoid anxiety. It is through the power of prayer that God desires relationship. Developing this relationship will lead to trusting what He says in His Word. As it says “let your requests be made known to God” implies that He wants to know all of your troubles and concerns. God is a relational God and as you draw closer to Him in prayer there is a supernatural deposit of His peace that will be experienced within your heart. This divine incision into the natural can also meet all of your physical needs that you may have been challenged with. The Bible says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

God will take the turmoil within your heart and replace it with His peace that “surpasses all understanding”. Let me add here, when there is an absence of His peace, it is an indication that your prayer life has been neglected. This is healthy because it helps us to continue to stay close to the God that loves us. I have personally experienced this peace through all the difficulties and the trials life had brought to me.

As the last part of the scripture says, “peace will guard your hearts and minds”. The word “guard” literally means to protect what tries to enter the heart and mind from our negative environment. Keeping this in mind brings such security and serenity that can help you to rise above every circumstances of life that you may encounter, and by living this lifestyle you can stay free from the stresses and anxieties of life through the power of God!

Note: All scripture references are from the New King James Version.

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(559)641-5225 or toll-free (877)557-9412. You may also email us at ralanis1(at)gmail(dot)com and someone will respond. We want you to know that your call is very important to us!