Attacking AnxietySample

If I’ve learned anything about mental health over the years, it’s that much of the battle begins in the mind. Call it Satan or just my own propensity to get down on myself, but the way I’m feeling is typically an overflow of my own thoughts. We are in a fight for our lives, and the entire battleground exists between our ears.

It’s time to learn how to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The Bible reminds us that we get to choose what we focus on. Have you ever thought about the fact that we can think about what we think about? We get to decide which thoughts we dwell on. It’s our choice. And it’s incredible how quickly our mood, confidence, and outlook on life change when we start focusing on the right things. . . .

Since Paul knew we would be fighting a battle and knew the battleground is the mind, he urged us to start thinking about what we think about.

Peace is possible.

The key to obtaining it is to start remembering all the amazing things God has already done in our lives. God has done so much for all of us over the years, but in the heat of battle, when we are in the middle of a storm, it can be easy to forget about all the good and focus on the bad. Which is why Paul urged us to start reflecting on the past and purposefully remember all the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy things God has already done.

Remembering what God has done for us is a massive weapon for defeating anxiety and depression. . . . Anxiety will attack, but tuning in to memories of God’s victories in your life is how you attack back.

Prayer

Lord, I can see how you have been at work in my life over the years. Thank you for your presence and guidance. Amen.