Silent Killers: AnxietySample

How to make awareness work for you 

Yesterday, we talked about creating awareness for the things of God in our lives. The way that we use awareness to work for us can be found in the scripture we read today. Peter writes to the church to tell us to “be alert and of sober mind” because our enemy (the devil) is out looking for lives to destroy. 

Those two instructions - be alert and be of sober mind- are keys to combating anxiety. To be alert means that you understand and are prepared for an attack to come at any moment. But if you’re only alert and you don’t have a sober mind, you will always be anxious. To be of sober mind means that your mind is only under the influence of God’s Spirit. A sober mind puts the situation into context. A sober mind helps you understand that God is greater than whatever attack the devil throws at you. A sober mind helps you understand that the threats of the enemy are only shadows, because the enemy has already been defeated! 

In the scripture, Peter also encourages the church to stand firm in our faith. What you may not realize is that other people, even those closest to you, may be combating anxiety in their lives as well. What if your heightened awareness for the good things of God also encouraged those around you? By sharing what you are anxious about with trusted friends and family, you can come together with other believers to strengthen and encourage one another; and that means you don’t have to fight your battles alone. If you and your circle of friends and family are alert and of sober mind, you can deepen your faith together and better combat the silent killer of anxiety.    

Action Step: In what areas of your life can you make awareness work for you? How does being alert and of sober mind help you in your day to day life? Who are 2-3 friends or family members who you can talk to about the anxieties in your life? Take some time to talk with them this week.