Anxiety
“Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous.” - Healthline
“Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).” - Mayo Clinic
Scripture
Psalm 94:19
When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Peter 5:6–8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
Prayers
Heavenly Father, When I feel crushed by my own worries, Lift my mind and help me to see the truth. When fear grips me tight and I feel I cannot move, Free my heart and help me to take things one step at a time. When I can’t express the turmoil inside, Calm me with Your quiet words of love. I choose to trust in You, each day, each hour, each moment of my life. I know deep down that I in Your grace, forgiven, restored by Your sacrifice, You have set me free. Amen.
Heavenly Father, Lately I’ve been so worried about things that are out of my control. Help me to trust that you are working every little detail of my life out and that I have nothing to worry about. Amen
Reflections
1. Am I safe right now?
2. How have I successfully dealt with situations like this in the past?
3. Who might be able to help me handle my anxiety?
4. What do I have in my life right now to be grateful for?
5. What’s one small step I can take right now to feel better?
6. What’s one verse I can memorize that will help me relax and feel more at ease?
7. What’s the best possible outcome I can imagine?
8. What would my life look like, if I could move past this fear and focus on positive possibilities?
