Although everyone is different, anxiety is a very common plague. Sometimes anxiety paralyzes folks from being productive; sometimes it can lead to ulcers and other ailments; sometimes it effects marriages, as well as other relationships. How do we get a grip on anxiety?

First of all, we focus on God. Sometimes we become overly anxious because our thoughts are too physically oriented. Jesus tells us that His Father will provide if we seek first His kingdom (Mt. 6:33). During a time of persecution, Peter said, “set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pt. 1:13).

Secondly, to overcome anxiety, we should focus on prayer. This is obviously related to the first point. In Philippians 4, Paul discusses how true peace and joy can be achieved. (Peace is the opposite of anxiety.) He states, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (4:6). Learn to pray about things that trouble you. God cares, so cast your care upon Him (1 Pt. 5:7)! He is well able to bear them for us.

Finally, focusing on others can help with anxiety. Sometimes focusing on others helps us to see how blessed we truly are. Ironically, helping others is extremely helpful to our own well-being. Christ said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

If you are struggling with anxiety, elevate your focus above yourself!

Daren Scrhoeder