Anxiety

Worry weighs you down. It doesn’t actually help solve the problems and it hinders you, like trying to work with a monkey on your back. Listen to some encouraging sermons. Enjoy some inspiring poetry or music instead.

• Proverbs 12:25 HCSB Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.

That lost love or that missed promotion may make you feel sick now, but the wheel will go around and your turn will come. Just keep faithfully waiting on God and you will discover life and joy.

• Proverbs 13:12 HCSB Delayed hope makes the heart sick, but fulfilled desire is a tree of life.

Never try telling someone that you “understand what they’re going through.” Even if you’ve had similar circumstances, no two situations are exactly alike. They will recognize and rebel to the platitude.

• Proverbs 14:10 HCSB The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy.

Just because a person is laughing or smiling, doesn’t mean there isn’t pain. Look deep into their heart and see beyond the exterior.

• Proverbs 14:13 HCSB Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.

Practice telling jokes. Collect human interest stories. Learn how to deliver a punch line. It’s good medicine.

• Proverbs 17:22 HCSB A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Humans can endure some remarkably adverse circumstances. But when a person loses their hope, all is lost.

• Proverbs 18:14 HCSB A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

We must not let temporary circumstances get to us and discourage us. We must develop a long view. We are, after all, immortal.

• Proverbs 23:17-18 HCSB Don't be jealous of sinners; instead, always fear the LORD. 18 For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.

The greatest cure for anxiety is wisdom. With wisdom comes patience and the knowledge of which battles can be fought and which we should just let slide. Spend time daily developing your wisdom and your anxiety will go by the wayside.

• Proverbs 24:13-14 HCSB Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate; 14 realize that wisdom is the same for you. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.

When you are anxious, go looking for long lost friends and family. Reconnect with those you love.

• Proverbs 25:25 HCSB Good news from a distant land is like cold water to a parched throat.

If we worry, it’s usually about people and their foolishness. But it’s all smoke and mirrors. The only one we truly need to be concerned about is the Lord. If we take care of our business with Him, all the other stuff falls into place.

• Proverbs 29:25 HCSB The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.

Sometimes chronic anxiety or depression is not necessarily a spiritual matter. It might be a physical, chemical imbalance that can be corrected medicinally. If you are continuously struggling with anxiety, go see your doctor and follow his advice.

• Proverbs 31:4-7 HCSB It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. 5 Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. 6 Give beer to one who is dying, and wine to one whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.

Worry doesn't accomplish anything.

• Psalms 37:8 HCSB Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated--it can only bring harm.

There's no need to worry—God has everything under control.

• Matthew 6:31-33 HCSB So don't worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' 32 For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

We cannot remove worry until we replace it with something better—prayer.

• Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Worrying is a waste of time.

• Luke 12:25-26 HCSB Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? 26 If then you're not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

Give all your worries to the Lord. Accept what He allows in your life knowing that He has a plan for your good.

• 1 Peter 5:6-7 HCSB Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.