Posted on August 21, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
This is part two of a Freedom Fighter I wrote in 2015. Hope it is helpful:
Last week we started a dialog about anxiety, and I am thankful for the men who wrote to share that they have been struggling in this area.
One thing that I learned in dealing with my anxiety is that you have to reprogram how you think.
Have you ever had a toothache? Did you notice that when you have a toothache and you start thinking about it, it will get worse. The pain even seems to intensify.
Proverbs 23:7 says that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he,” and that is so true. With anxiety, the more you think about it, the more intense it gets.
My pastor/counselor/friend shared with me that when I begin to have anxious thoughts, I need to immediately replace those thoughts with other thoughts – think about something different. For some of you, it may mean actually talking out loud with different thoughts.
The best thought busters are verses from God’s Word. So here are some more anxiety busters to add to your arsenal. When the anxiety comes, speak these out loud and take those anxious thoughts captive:
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comfort delights my soul. Psalm 94:19
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 When you are anxious call on His name!
The Lord your God is in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Now may the Lord of peace HIMSELF give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
You won’t believe how this exercise will help you reprogram those anxious thoughts and give you peace. Allow the Lord to move you from fear to faith today.
How has the Lord helped you with your anxiety? I’d love to hear from you.
Bill Welte
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 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “The devil could only tell Jesus to jump off the roof of the temple; he couldn’t actually push Him. Satan is a defeated foe. When Jesus has your back, the devil has no more power over you than you choose to concede to him. He whispers into your ear but can’t make you do anything.” – Levi Lusko
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 74, 79; 2 Kings 24-25. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
