Reducing Anxiety, Part 3
Anxiety is a battle birthed in the mind and overflows into every other part of our lives. Here’s the good news: Anxiety can be defeated!
In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul commands us not to pursue a life of worry, he tells us to direct our thinking toward truth, honor, just living, purity, love, beauty, and excellence.
His words are clear. Anxiety starts and ends in the mind.
They [those not renewed by God] are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. Ephesians 4:18, ESV
Christian theology teaches that humans suffer as a result of wrong choices. We suffer for the sins of our forefathers and we pay the price for our own mistakes as well. One of the consequences of this is that our minds have been darkened.
Before you get angry or defensive, try to remember we are all in the same boat and the purpose of these articles is to encourage and strengthen, not to spread guilt or religiosity but to provide a new way of life – a life of freedom.
A New Way: Bring Light to Your Mind
Tell the truth to yourself. Often, we spend more time complaining and worrying than accepting the fact that much of our pain is self-imposed or out of our control. The main questions to be asked are: “Did I do this to myself?” “Do I have any control of the outcome?” “Am I where God wants me right now?”
Do what’s right. Perhaps it seems childish, but “obedience” is still in vogue with the laws of the universe. Being a person of honor may be more difficult on the front end but it’s a universe better when all the truth finally pours out!
Love. One of the most radical teachings of Jesus is to love those who hurt us. Books have been written on this subject because it needs more time and space to fully grasp. But what we can say here is “Love wins; hate loses!”
Appreciate. Start becoming an expert of what is right in the world. Begin to notice what God is doing in spite of all the junk. No one rejoices in the darkness of hate and wickedness but no one gets better by listing everything that’s wrong. When something good happens, throw a party! Smile and embrace it! Become a celebrator of all that is good.
