Anxiety and a Process of Healing

 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” ~ Psalm 27:1

Fear is an issue everyone deals with, Christian or not... Through the years as a youth minister and pastoral counselor I have worked with many young people overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. 

Fear is mentioned in the Bible at least 500 times and we are instructed often to fear notbecause of the protection and power of the Holy Spirit that indwells us.….

Jesus said in John 6: 33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you  will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

*Injustice is at the core of the anger/ rage: also Betrayal unresolved- the offender does not take responsibility/ you carry the wound/ spend much time and energy seeking imagined or real revenge or justice. “I have been ripped off!”
*Unrealistic expectations occupy your thinking.
*Resentment ensues because of real trauma or perceived hurt.
*Bitterness takes root (now a spiritual issue)
*Disconnection: God and people – numbness
*Acting out: addictions – eventually leads to despair.

Let’s close today with this 10 step action to help with anxiety struggles:

1. Prayer: take your fears to the Lord and believe that He will bring hope and peace- set your faith on the sure foundation of Jesus, the Rock of your salvation. Make prayer a daily event- driving to work, taking a walk in the evening...just talk to the Lord.

2. Resolve personal conflict if it is in your power to do so, seek forgiveness if you wronged someone- etc. (Psalm 34:14) ”turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”

3.Confront Spiritual strongholds and renounce them:

(1 Peter 5:6-9) “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time- casting all your care upon him for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour...whom resist steadfast in the faith..”

4. State the problem clearly- what is the threat that builds tension in me...this is important to clarify when things seem so unfocused.

5. Separate Fact from Fiction or assumptions (true and false exercise) writing things down helps organize the mind.

6. Determine what your responsibility is for your life and what is in your control- see also where you have no control and must release these areas to God.

7. Then List everything you do control related to the core issue to carry those things out.

8. Accomplish all on your list and commit to being responsible.

9. Set short term goals to help you meet these responsibilities; have trusted people hold you accountable if necessary. connection is vital for healing. This is where support groups or small groups at your church come in. You do not have to be alone.

10. Cast these cares on Jesus Christ and realize as a Christian He owns your life and even the smallest problem is of great concern to Him. Read the Bible daily.

(Col. 3:15)  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

*All music written and performed by Darryl, Taylor and Caiti Riden (c) 2022

ChristPowered Ministries  www.cpmlife.org

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2024

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries