Anxiety is different from fear in that it lacks an object or adequate cause. It is normal to be concerned about things we value; to not do so would demonstrate a lack of care.
Pray
Prayer is the first step in casting all your anxiety on Christ. (Philippians 4:6)
Ask God to guide you by expressing the following prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You as your child, purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I declare my dependence upon You, and I acknowledge my need of You. I know that apart from Christ I can do nothing. You know the thoughts and intentions of my heart, and You know the situation I am in from the beginning to the end. I feel as though I am double-minded, and I need your peace to guard my heart and my mind. I humble myself before You and choose to trust You to exalt me at the proper time in any way You choose. I place my trust in You to supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory and to guide me into all truth. I ask for Your divine guidance so that I may fulfill my calling to live a responsible life by faith in the power of Your Holy Spirit. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” In Jesus precious name, amen.
Resolve any personal and spiritual conflicts (1 Timothy 4:1)
– You will be a double-minded person if you pay attention to a deceiving spirit.
– You need to have the presence of God in order to have “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, [that] shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
State the Problem
– A problem well-stated is half solved.
– Put the problem in perspective: Will it matter for eternity?
– The process of worrying takes a greater toll on a person than the negative consequences of what they worried about.
Divide the facts from the assumptions
– A peculiar trait of the mind is its tendency to assume the worst.
– If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive the mind to its anxiety limits.
– If you make presumptions about tomorrow, you will suffer the negative consequences, or stress and anxiety. (Proverbs 12:25)
Determine what you have the right or ability to control
– You are responsible only for that which you have the right and ability to control.
– Your sense of worth is tied only to that for which you are responsible.
– Don’t try to cast your responsibility onto Christ. He will throw it back to you. But do cast your anxiety onto Him because His integrity is at stake in meeting your needs if you are living a responsible and righteous life.
List what is your responsibility
You need to commit yourself to be a responsible person and fulfill your calling and obligations in life.
The rest is God’s responsibility
– Your only remaining responsibility is to continue to pray and focus on the truth according to Philippians 4:6-8.
– Any residual anxiety is probably due to your assuming responsibilities that God never intended you to have.
