Friday, August 19, 2016

Christians and Anxiety


When we start to look at our problems and circumstances, and begin to project future events; we are on dangerous ground. The anxious person has little peace, and without peace there is turmoil and confusion. Even Christians can experience anxiety, but it is usually a result of taking our focus off of Jesus and onto the external things going around us.

The underlying cause of anxiety is the belief that danger is lurking.

These dangers have to do with the concern that we are not able to control our circumstances, and we are vulnerable to less than desirable outcomes.

There are many things around us that can cause great apprehension and fear. What should a Christian do when they experience anxiety? Is medication the answer? There is nothing wrong with seeking an evaluation from a doctor, but what if there is more to treating anxiety than medication. Consider for a moment, that there is a spiritual realm of darkness that works against you. Christians can experience a spirit of anxiety.  

Steps to Overcoming Anxiety:

1.      Meditate and read scriptures that apply to anxiety. Speak the Word of God over your circumstances.

A man cannot discover anything about his future.
(Ecclesiastes 7:14)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.
(Psalm 55:22)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Matthew 6:34)

Do not fret-it leads only to evil.
(Psalm 37:8)

So do not worry, saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them.
(Matthew 6:31)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
(Proverbs 29:25)

2.      Pray and ask the Lord to uncover the “roots” of your anxiety. Expose the lies of the enemy to the truth of God’s Word.
3.      Exercise regularly. This helps to alleviate and manage anxiety. Talk to God as you exercise.
4.      Take a warm bath; warm water relaxes muscles. Listen to relaxing music, light scented candles, and drop some lavender oil in the bath.
5.      Journal. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and worries, and then surrender them to God.
6.      Focus on one day at a time. Don’t get ahead of yourself and project future outcomes.
7.      Be careful of what you’re watching, listening to and reading for entertainment.

And remember God can break every chain! There is power in the name of Jesus. Ask Him.







Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Building Perseverance


Definition of perseverance: Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Synonyms for perseverance: Persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, and steadfastness.


My alarm clock sounded off loudly at the usually 6 am, but on this Monday morning I did not want to get up for my usual morning run. The weather was already hot and humid, and I was just plain tired. I just wanted to crawl back into bed, but I remembered the commitment that I made over a year ago that I would become a runner. Becoming a runner was no small task for me, being that I never ran long distance before, but I became disciplined and achieved the ability to run several miles without feeling like I was going to pass out. Here I am over a year later and the once amazing results that I saw my physique transform into has lessened. In other words, I am seeing little progress in my physical body changing, it seems my weight has stayed the same over the summer. So I woke-up on this hot Monday morning thinking to myself, “what’s the point in running I’m not seeing results anymore.”

I heard not audible but in that still small voice of God, “I am building perseverance within you, and you are learning not to quit when it gets tough or there is little results.” The Lord has used my running to teach me many things that I can apply to my walk with Him.

Persistence and steadfastness mark our Christian walk. If we are to discipline our minds and bodies, perseverance is key. Why? Because I can almost guarantee you will want to quit or give-up somewhere along your life’s journey. This is especially true in our relationship with Jesus, we may want to give up on God when He does not seem to answer our prayers in a timely manner or the way we think they should be answered. It is not just God we can give up on but our marriages, jobs, ministry, or our health.

As Christians it is important to develop the characteristic of perseverance; we will need this trait when times get tough and we see little or no progress in our lives. When trials come our character and spiritual strength will be tested. We must be rooted and grounded in Christ to overcome life’s challenges.

Runners have to dig deep to find the motivation to continue despite pain and weather challenges. There are boundless opportunities that a runner can use to quit. The option of quitting must be banished from the runner’s mind, as well as the mind of a Christian.

Last week, I got up at my usual 6 am time to go out for my run, but was meet with a torrential downpour. I had already made up my mind I was going to run to matter what, so that is what I did through the rain. I persevered through the rain!

When life gets tough we must make a resolve never to quit or give-up our faith or on Jesus.

Resilience, is the ability to recover and continue in life no matter the problem or obstacle. Perseverance, is the ability to persist in life’s pursuits in spite of difficult obstacles.

Resilience and perseverance are character traits that can be learned!


We can not only endure trials (preserve) but come out stronger in the end! (Romans 5:3-4). Learn to persevere-continue on despite challenges. The more you remain steadfast through problems, your perseverance will build.

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