Anxiety is defined as distress of mind, uneasiness, and an inner disquietude. Sometimes thoughts can be louder than thunder and quieter than lightning. Anxious thoughts are like the next door neighbor’s dog that harasses you by barking all night. Anxiety occurs when your thoughts are continually on things that are false, impure, revengeful, bitter, or fearful. Whether your fear is real or perceived, anxious thoughts will never bring resolve or peace to your problems or worries.
Your mind is a biological computer that never shuts off. Has your computer ever appeared to shut down or freeze up, but you could still hear it processing? Sometimes it appears to be at a standstill, but actually it is stuck in a continuous loop. This is what happens when we allow anxiety to harass us and monopolize our thought realm and focus.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing…”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Anxiety steals your hope, your strength, your creativity, your faith, and your courage. Concern looks for solutions.
Discern the difference between worry and concern:
Destructive Worry:
Paralyzes
Decreases creativity
Prevents initiative
Results in anxious fretting
Attempts to control the future
Fears the worst
Appears negative to others
Distracts the mind
Example: “I’m so worried that my child might drown; I won’t let him/her near the water.”
Constructive Concern:
Motivates
Increases creativity
Promotes initiative
Results in calm focusing
Attempts to improve the future
Hopes for the best
Appears positive to others
Directs the mind
Example: “I’m so concerned that my child can’t swim; I’m giving him/her swimming lessons.”
Stop worrying!
“Cast all your anxieties upon Him…” I Peter 5:7
