When Anxiety Strikes

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9-Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Introduction: Anxiety interferes with sleep, disrupts concentration, and hinders productivity. But children of God don't have to allow this destructive emotion to control their lives. Even when believers live through painful circumstances, they can experience peace beyond human comprehension.

What is the nature of anxiety? This emotion can be defined as an overwhelming sense of tension that fragments our thoughts and divides our minds.

The Bible teaches us how to avoid letting worry take over our lives.

"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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Why is it so important that we learn to deal with anxiety?

Worry disrupts our thoughts, so we can't think clearly or make wise decisions. Our productivity decreases because fretfulness wastes time and energy. Relationships with our spouses, families, coworkers, and friends suffer. Anxiety contributes to a host of health problems. It indicates a lack of trust in God and hampers our relationship with Him

Matthew 6:31-34- “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

How can you and I overcome anxiety?

By praying right: Christians should pray in all circumstances and situations.

Philippians 4:6- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Instead of focusing exclusively on a list of requests, we should seek to praise and worship the Lord. God already knows our needs, and He has the power to supply them. Believers ought to pray specifically, especially when interceding for others.

Christians should cry out to the Lord in supplication (Philippians 4:6). This word indicates a passionate outpouring of the heart.

Psalm 34:17-The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

This is in contrast to mere lip service.

Isaiah 29:13-Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

As Christians, we can trust that He will answer our fervent prayers. We should make our requests "with thanksgiving" (Philippians 4:6). When God doesn't answer our prayers immediately—or when He says no—we should continue to be grateful for what we already have.

By thinking right:

Our thoughts directly affect how anxious we feel. Christians are to dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute…[and] anything worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).

Instead of worrying about what the future will bring, try focusing on your relationship with the Lord. Seek His will regarding your goals and life's purpose—for today, tomorrow, and the future.

As Christians, we will still face adversity, but God can give us supernatural peace in the midst of suffering.

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.

Nothing happens unless He allows it. And the Lord promises to use difficult situations for our ultimate good.

Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

By living right:

Those who lead ungodly lives cannot experience lasting peace. And people who don't know the Lord have no hope of life after death.