How to Deal With Anxiety: Finding Help from God’s Word
Out of all human emotions, anger and fear are probably the most problematic. Both emotions can have significant consequences for our lives if they are not handled well. In this article, we will discuss how to deal with anxiety by exploring what the Bible has to say about it. What does anxiety look and feel like? Fear goes by many names – anxiety, worry, distress, dismay, trepidation, dread, and many more. It varies by degree of intensity, from a feeling of slight unease up to absolute terror. We can express our fear in many ways: Repetitive, racing, or spiraling thoughts. Sweaty palms, increased heart rate, dry mouth, a “pit” in your stomach, difficulty sleeping, or disordered eating. Withdrawal from or avoidance of certain relationships or environments. Hampered ability to focus or pay attention, or by a feeling of paralysis in deciding what to do next. Sometimes fear is not immediately obvious. It can manifest as other emotions such as anger or be expressed through behaviors such as a preoccupation with cleaning or becoming organized, for example. What degree of fear do you most often feel, or frequently becomes an issue for you? How do you express your anxiety? What is the underlying reason for anxiety? The underlying reason for anxiety has to do with control. They are two sides of the same coin. We want to control something, but we can’t, so we become anxious about it. The common factor across every reason for anxiety is uncertainty. We feel vulnerable because we cannot control something and thus the future is uncertain. What do you feel anxious about? Naming your worries helps you to see that they are finite and specific rather than endless. Writing them down helps this process and helps to rest your mind from the thoughts chasing themselves [...]
