4/30/12

When Anxiety Strikes

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Whe n Anxie ty Strik e s

Charles F. Stanley Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 I. 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. II. What is the nature of anxiety? A. This emotion can be defined as an ov erwhelm ing sense of tension that fragm ents our thoughts and div ides our m inds. B. 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" (Phil. 4:6-7). C. 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 (Matt. 6:31, 34). III. How can you and I overcome anxiety? A. By praying right: Christians should pray in all circumstances and situations (Phil. 4:6). Instead of focusing exclusively on a list of requests, we should seek to adore 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 (Phil. 4:6). This word indicates a passionate outpouring of the heart (Ps. 34:17; Heb. 5:7), in contrast to mere lip service (Isa. 29:13). As God's children, we can trust that He will answer our fervent prayers. We should make our requests "with thanksgiving" (Phil 4:6). When God doesn't answer our prayers immediatelyor when He says nowe should continue to be grateful for what we already have. B. 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" (Phil. 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 purposefor 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). Nothing happens unless He allows it. And the Lord promises to use difficult
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4/30/12

When Anxiety Strikes

situations for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). C. 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 (Matt. 7:23). They may mask their fears with drugs, alcohol, work, or some other distraction. But such people frequently live with apprehension about their eternal future. We must be obedient in order to be free from anxiety (Phil. 4:9). IV. Conclusion: Commit your worries to God. Determine to meditate on truthful and righteous things, and surrender control of your life to Him. The Lord will give you the grace to overcome anxiety. Yes, you may still experience heartache, pain, or difficulty. But you can learn to say with the apostle Paul, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am" (Phil. 4:11).
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