4 Steps To Battle Fear and Anxiety

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7

Most of the fear and anxiety we feel is not real. They are conditions of the mind that we give power to when we focus on them. When we let them dominate our thoughts we become handicapped and they essentially restrict us from our full potential. They also interfere with our peace of mind and ultimately lead us to negative feelings. I have struggled with fear and anxiety from time to time, they are natural human responses but with the help of our Lord there are some things we can do to handle them better.

One of my biggest fears is losing my children or not being able to see my children grow up. These horrible thoughts have driven me to become overly protective and restricting. It’s okay to a certain degree but not to a degree where I am holding them back in areas where they can thrive and develop.

For example, before my daughter was born when my son was about 8 months old, my husband suggested that I take him to Baby Gymboree classes. I understand that these classes are great for learning and socialization but all I can think about was germs and illnesses. I didn’t want to expose him to any of that so I opted not to. I allowed my fears to make the determination for me. I realize now that my decision was a little impulsive and I was not considering the benefits of which these classes could offer my son.

When we are able to distinguish that our fears and anxiety are a result of our thoughts then we can start to take control of them. We should also remember to rely on the Lord, His word can provide us with the comfort and guidance we need.

Here are 4 practical ways to battle your fears and anxiety with a little help from scripture.

1.) Restrict Your Thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Our thoughts of fear and anxiety is against everything God represents such as love and grace. We need to restrict and take hold of those thoughts once we recognize they are consuming us. Stop thinking about that fear or anxiety immediately and then move on to step number two.

2.) Redirect Your Thoughts

Philippians 4:8
“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 praiseworthy — think about such things.”

Start to focus on the good and positive things that your missing out on because you’re too focused on your fears and anxiety. For example, If I would have focused more on the benefits my son could receive from those Gymboree classes then my decision would have more than likely been to take him to them.

3.) Reassurance with Scripture

Hebrews 4:12
“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, of joints and of marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Refer to scripture to reassure yourself there is no reason to be afraid. One of my favorite scriptures to refer to is Deuteronomy 31:6 “So be strong and courageous ! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” It’s a great reminder that the Lord is in control and on our side.

4.) Rely on the Lord

Psalm 56:3-4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.”

Pray and keep praying for the Lords help. Give your fears and anxiety to the Lord and allow Him to comfort and guide you. I understand that its difficult to give up control sometimes but we must allow God to take control if we want peace in our hearts. Not only does the Lord provide peace but we can rest assure that when the Lord is in control our best interest is in mind. For me controlling my children and everything they do will only be a disadvantage for them. As long as I’m doing the best I can to provide for them, nurture them and guide them that is all I can do. The rest is in the Lords hands to fulfill His plan for them.

Please know that fear and anxiety is not from God. We are assured 365 times in the Bible to, “fear not.” Why do think this is? Because the Lord knows our thoughts and He wants us to find comfort and assurance in Him. God is love and as stated in 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 

I pray that these steps can help you overcome your fears and anxiety. Please feel free to contact me through the contact tab in the drop down menu if you’d like prayer.

God Bless you!