Anxiety Busters – Part 1

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

Good morning, Freedom Fighter family. We are praying for you and your families as we navigate these uncertain and tumultuous times. I wrote this Freedom Fighter blog in July of 2015 and thought it might be helpful to someone right now.

In the last several months, I have had numerous conversations with friends and family who are going through tough battles with anxiety. If you have never had to battle this in your life, you really don’t under the struggle that some brothers and sisters face.

There was a period in my life for about 12 years that I did battle with serious anxiety issues that led to panic attacks. It was a horrible time for me, first of all, because at that time there really wasn’t much help available. The other issue was that many Christians were judgmental about anxiety, so I ended up suffering alone.

My wife was a trooper through the whole process. My anxiety/panic attacks were so crippling at times that I had a hard time driving alone. Jan had to spend many hours driving with me and coaching me through it.

I am very thankful that the Lord has helped me through this battle, and for the past 18 years, I have been panic attack free. I have learned many lessons in the process, but the one major lesson that has helped the most is that when you are in the midst of this battle, you need to reprogram your mind.

A Christian counselor/friend shared with me that when you feel anxious or a panic attack coming on – immediately stop thinking about it and think about something else. Or better yet, start quoting Scripture to stop your anxious thoughts from running wild.

The Bible is filled with some powerful anxiety busters that you can use if you are struggling with anxiety or with panic attacks. Here are just a few that have helped me:

“For though we walk according to the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations, and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB)

“Be anxious for NOTHING, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace that SURPASSES all comprehension shall guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One who goes before you. He will not fail or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)

“And the Lord, He it is that doth go before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you; fear not neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

Why not write these on a 3X5 card and carry them with you. Start memorizing them. When the anxious thoughts come – pull out your anxiety busters and declare the truth! You will be amazed at how this will help you.

I will talk more about this next week. If you would like to dialog with me about this, write to me at bwelte@americaskeswick.org. – Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick

 

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.


Think About This: “The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.” —Tim Keller

 The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 8-12| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

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