Evening Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
Lately, have you been wrestling with increasing anxiety and fear?
Do you find yourself thinking about various things in or around your life that you have little-to-no control over and notice fear seems to be running things?
If 'Yes', please know you're not alone!
It's no secret, believers and non-believers alike battle such debilitating thoughts every day.
However, thankfully as followers of Jesus Christ, we uniquely possess supernatural power and tools (i.e., God's Word and His indwelling by way of the Holy Spirit) that can reduce or stop the spiritual attacks of fear and anxiety from running our lives!
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ~Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
Let us not forget— Jesus already told us not to expect our lives to be "perfect" and without struggles just because we follow Him.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ~John 16:33 (NKJV)
We also know God has not given us a spirit of fear.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Yet, at the same time, Christ told us not to fret as He has already conquered the world and that through Him, we can do all things.
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose— I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] ~Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
I find the above truths incredibly encouraging! And throughout my journey with Christ, He has taught me helpful techniques to fight against fear and anxiety... I just have to remember to apply them whenever the enemy attacks! LOL
Three ways to stop fear and anxiety from running your life:
1. Replace the enemy's lies with God's truths. Study the Word, apply the Word, and learn who God says you are! Did you know Jesus called satan the "father of lies" (John 8:44) and confirmed satan only comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)?
For the Word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. ~Hebrews 4:12 (ERV)
Do you know what your new identity in Christ is?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ~2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
2. Trust Jesus. That's right, let go and let God drive your life!
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. ~Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ~Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV)
The skills to turn to Jesus and trust Him, especially when attacked by fear and anxiety, matures over time after:
Staying humble.
Lots of practice.
Intentionally choosing Jesus Christ and His ways over your sinful nature.
Remember this— When God says to do something, do it! Do it afraid if you have to. You will never regret it! Plus, there are rewards for your obedience (Proverbs 3:1-2, Psalm 19:11, Mark 9:41, James 1:12, Revelation 22:12).
When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. ~Psalm 56:3 (AMP)
But trusting God in times of anxiety takes practice. It is a spiritual skill, and it is less automatic than we realize. With practice, we will be able to turn to Jesus more quickly and in ways that actually erode anxieties. Results will not be immediate. The ways of God are that we gradually grow in meaningful trust and confidence in Him and love for Him. If anxieties were immediately extinguished, we would turn to Him less, which would be to our detriment. ~Ed Welch, CCEF
3. Pray. The popular saying is true— "Prayer changes things!"
Need to talk to God and seek to hear from Him?
Pray!
Desire to feel God's presence and experience His peace?
Pray!
Want favor and guidance to lessen, remove, or help you better manage your fears and anxieties?
Pray!
Yes, make praying a frequent activity in your life!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Prayer is our primary means of seeing God work in others' lives. Because it is our means of “plugging into” God’s power, it is our means of defeating Satan and his army that we are powerless to overcome by ourselves. Therefore, may God find us often before His throne, for we have a high priest in heaven who can identify with all that we go through (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have His promise that the fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much (James 5:16-18). May God glorify His name in our lives as we believe in Him enough to come to Him often in prayer. ~gotquestions.org
What other techniques help you overcome fear and anxiety? I'd love to hear from you!
Remember, it's about progression not perfection!
God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
~Natasha
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