Anxiety is rampant in our society. It affects over 40 million adults in the US, and this number is climbing. Anxiety disorders have become the most common mental illness. If you experience anxiety, you are not alone.
Anxiety can be described as feelings of worry, panic, phobia, and terror. It can cause sleeplessness, eating disorders and low self-esteem.
Why is anxiety such a huge issue? How does anxiety grow to become such a problem that affects us?
First, let me say that anxiety is not God’s plan for us. God’s design for our lives is abundant life. Romans 14:17 says that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. These are opposite of anxiety! God gave us a plan to walk in peace, no matter what is happening around us. Anxiety robs our peace.
How does anxiety become a stronghold in our lives? The root of anxiety is fear. At some time in our lives, a door was opened to fear. It could have been something that happened to us as a child, such as an accident, or it could have even been as result of living with someone who was fearful. If left open, this door will let in all kinds of thoughts and suggestions that will cause an agreement with the spirit of fear. Left unchecked, this spirit will become stronger and stronger, creating a stronghold in our minds that will disable us from being able to live in peace and victory.
God’s word says that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND (2 Timothy 1:7). God desires for us to fully embrace the power that He has given us. This power can uproot that fear in our lives. We can begin by repenting for our agreement with worry and fear. Once we have done this, we can command that spirit of fear to leave us, for it has no more legal entrance into our lives. We can then call upon the perfect love of God to fill us and displace every area where fear and anxiety has infected us.
We must be diligent to watch for signs that fear is trying to come back. When it has been such a part of us for so long, it is easy to let fear back in. But know that you have authority to stand your ground and walk in the power of God. Continually feed on the truth of God’s word to build up your faith to replace those weak areas that allowed fear entrance. Ask for God to reveal Himself as a good Father. Believe that He will never leave you or forsake you. As you keep your mind stayed on Him, He will keep you in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
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