Anxiety

[Jean Beck]

ANXIETY

But the fact that cognitive therapy is usually the best treatment for anxiety disorders reveals the battle is most often in the mind. The Bible teaches that Christians can control how they think and what they think about because God has given us the Holy Spirit to teach such things (John 14:26–27).

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Obviously prayer, reading God’s Word, and Christian fellowship will be important ingredients in overcoming social anxiety; these are all things in which every Christian should be engaged. But the fact that cognitive therapy is usually the best treatment for anxiety disorders reveals the battle is most often in the mind. The Bible teaches that Christians can control how they think and what they think about because God has given us the Holy Spirit to teach such things

Most people never consider that they can control their thoughts to a great degree. But with practice, prayer, and help from God, the battle can be won or at the very least the anxiety can be made manageable (see Philippians 4:7). We know God’s plan for His children does not include a life of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
 He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Those suffering from SA should realize they are not perfect—and neither is anyone else (Romans 3:23). 

 Living up to societal stan to trust Him more dards is not what make a person acceptable; being a child of God is what matters.

 As we learn and get to know Him better, we become more aware of His presence and can trust His Holy Spirit to carry us through challenging social encounters.

Ultimately, we can depend on the Holy Spirit to provide us comfort in our pain, guide us into truth (John 14:25–27; 16:33), and produce His fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23).

For those who struggle with social anxiety and extreme shyness, we encourage a biblical view of self. As believers, we are loved (Romans 5:8), we are accepted (Ephesians 1:6), and we are not condemned (Romans 8:1). Being secure in Christ, we have the freedom to reach out to others and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:33).
 

[Marathoner]

20 minutes ago, Jean Beck said:

But the fact that cognitive therapy is usually the best treatment for anxiety disorders reveals the battle is most often in the mind.

The following medical conditions manifest symptoms of anxiety (this is not an exhaustive list):

Hyperthyroidism, temporal epilepsy, hypoglycemia, and both food and chemical allergies to name five "flesh and blood" causes of anxiety which are biochemical in origin. The statement made in the OP is not true. The cause of anxiety determines the most effective treatment and not one's uninformed opinion regarding it, no matter how well-intentioned it might be. 

With that said, therapy (or medical treatment) isn't always necessary. It is possible to overcome anxiety regardless of the source. How? 

That's a work of the Spirit. Therefore, if it pleases the Lord for His beloved to confront anxiety... fear... terror... and the like so that by doing so, they overcome such things, then it will be so. Nothing is impossible to the Lord. The same is not true for us. 

[ladypeartree]

Please dont make generalized statements that may make others feel inadequate There are several brothers and sister here that suffer in this way and NOT everyone can overcome without medical intervention 

[Marathoner]

1 hour ago, ladypeartree said:

Please dont make generalized statements that may make others feel inadequate There are several brothers and sister here that suffer in this way and NOT everyone can overcome without medical intervention 

Indeed. While I'm experienced at withstanding anxiety, that doesn't make it "go away." Anxiety caused by low blood sugar --- hypoglycemia --- is horrific and the only way to solve it is to eat regularly. If I fast, I'll suddenly find myself shaking and fighting against panic.

Edited November 20, 2024 by Marathoner

[missmuffet]

Anxiety is an emotion that can feel like fear,dread or uneasiness. There are many

disorders that come from anxiety such as:

Panic disorder

Social anxiety disorder

Phobias

Hypochondria

and other disorders.

Anxiety is treated with:

Psychotherapy( talking with a psychologist or qualified therapist)

Cognitive therapy(different ways of thinking,behaving and reaction to a situation)

Medication(Be very aware of the side effects of a medication. Some medications for anxiety

such as benzodiazepines which include Valium,Zoloft and Ativan are addictive and very

difficult to come off of).

As a Christian it is important to only go to a Christian therapist if that is what you choose.

Also give your anxiety to God every day. He knows what you are dealing with.

[LaMonte]

What I am going to say is not for unbelievers “the dead” Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. Luk 9:60, we are talking about Gospel of light.

Most of the time “Anxiety” is not a disorder it’s a choice. Most problems of mankind today like anxiety, drunkenness, sexual behavior are called a disorder, why? It takes the blame off the person and put it on the disorder. In Gen 3:12 Adam blame Eve for his sin, he put the blame on Eve.

What is the root of anxiety for me?  The answer is in Matthew 6. Four times in this text Jesus says that we should not be anxious.

1. Matt 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.”
2. Matt 6:27 “And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?”
3. Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not be anxious.”
4. Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow.”

The verse that shows where anxiety comes from “Matt 6:30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?” In other words, Jesus says that the root of anxiety is lack of faith in our heavenly Father. As unbelief gets the upper hand in our hearts, one of the results is anxiety.

So, when Heb 3:12 says, “Take heed lest there be in you an evil heart of unbelief,” it includes this meaning: “Take heed lest there be in you an anxious heart of unbelief.” Anxiety is one of the evil conditions of the heart that comes from unbelief. Much anxiety, Jesus says, comes from little faith.

“Believe the promises of Jesus, and anxiety will evaporate in the warmth of God’s care.”

THE TESTIMONY OF SCRIPTURE

2 Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Phi 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Pet 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” It does not say, you will never feel any anxieties to cast onto God. It says when the mud splatters your windshield and you lose temporary sight of the road and start to swerve in anxiety, turn on your wipers and squirt your windshield washer.

[missmuffet]

46 minutes ago, LaMonte said:

 

What I am going to say is not for unbelievers “the dead” Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. Luk 9:60, we are talking about Gospel of light.

Most of the time “Anxiety” is not a disorder it’s a choice. Most problems of mankind today like anxiety, drunkenness, sexual behavior are called a disorder, why? It takes the blame off the person and put it on the disorder. In Gen 3:12 Adam blame Eve for his sin, he put the blame on Eve.

What is the root of anxiety for me?  The answer is in Matthew 6. Four times in this text Jesus says that we should not be anxious.

1. Matt 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.”
2. Matt 6:27 “And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?”
3. Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not be anxious.”
4. Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow.”

The verse that shows where anxiety comes from “Matt 6:30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?” In other words, Jesus says that the root of anxiety is lack of faith in our heavenly Father. As unbelief gets the upper hand in our hearts, one of the results is anxiety.

So, when Heb 3:12 says, “Take heed lest there be in you an evil heart of unbelief,” it includes this meaning: “Take heed lest there be in you an anxious heart of unbelief.” Anxiety is one of the evil conditions of the heart that comes from unbelief. Much anxiety, Jesus says, comes from little faith.

“Believe the promises of Jesus, and anxiety will evaporate in the warmth of God’s care.”

THE TESTIMONY OF SCRIPTURE

2 Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Phi 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Pet 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” It does not say, you will never feel any anxieties to cast onto God. It says when the mud splatters your windshield and you lose temporary sight of the road and start to swerve in anxiety, turn on your wipers and squirt your windshield washer.

Anxiety is not a choice it is a neurological disorder. Anxiety can cause changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can lead to unusual signals to the body

Edited November 25, 2024 by missmuffet

[Neighbor]

Rev. Charles Spurgeon  "The prince of pastors" suffered anxiety, depression  wrote on it studied it and eventually died rather young.  See  https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/blog-entries/11-reasons-spurgeon-was-depressed/

Do not feel inadequate for having anxiety! Every sane person  has anxieties. Every person has to deal with them too. One profound encouragement shared within the Bible  is how Paul reacted to his own serious predicament found at this reference  https://bibletolife.com/resources/articles/how-the-apostle-paul-handled-worry-and-anxiety/ 

[LaMonte]

6 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Anxiety is not a choice it is a neurological disorder

Could you please show me in scripture where anxiety is a neurological disorder.  

[missmuffet]

1 hour ago, LaMonte said:

Could you please show me in scripture where anxiety is a neurological disorder.  

Scripture? I am sure that anxiety being a neurological order isn't in the Bible. It is a

medical condition. But here is a medical website:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11389804/

Edited November 26, 2024 by missmuffet