OVERCOMING ANXIETY

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

“The pandemic has worsened mental health issues for all generations, but particularly for Gen Z.” – Mental Health Expert

Research suggests that Gen Z is the most anxious generation.

Recent study found 13–17-year-olds are more likely to feel extreme stress than adults, but the adults closest to them are blind to what they are going through.

In the U.S. alone, anxiety affects 40 million adults a year.

“Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” – New Oxford Dictionary

Acute Anxiety – excessive apprehensiveness with physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension.

Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Luke 10:41

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.”

Anxious – to divide, distract, draw in a different direction.

How do we overcome anxiety in Jesus’ Name?

1. Commit Every Anxious Thought to God in Prayer

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Psalm 55:22a

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.

Matthew 11:28-30 (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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.

Commit – Describes a camel with a heavy load, kneeling down, and tilting to one side so that the load rolls off.

2. Receive the Peace of God

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Peace of God is through the Divine exchange of the cross. We give our anxieties to Jesus and He gives His peace to us.

His peace guards our hearts and minds. This is a military term that describes soldiers guarding a city or garrison.

3. Meditate on the Goodness of God

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

2 Corinthians 10:5b

Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Psalm 94:19

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

Mark 4:37

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

Mark 4:39

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you anxious and worried?

2. What are some of the things that worry you or make you anxious?

3. Would you be willing to write them down and then take that list to Jesus, consecrate that list to Him and tear up that list in Jesus’ Name?

4. Have you ever experienced the peace of God in the midst of a storm of life? What was it like and how did it happen?

5. The Holy Spirit wants to help us control our thoughts. Are you willing to surrender your thoughts to Jesus and ask for His help in taking every thought captive to Him?