Anxiety – Twelve Sources; Twelve Solutions

Aarón Blanco Tejedor

Say to those who have an anxious heart,
“Be strong; fear not!” Isaiah 35:4 (ESV)

Everyone experiences the anxious heart. And everyone experiences it repeatedly in their lives. There is a cure for the anxious heart. In fact, here are twelve cures for twelve sources of anxiety.

To understand how the cure works, and we must understand it, we must be able to apply some principles.

Feelings

Feelings are real. They effect how we think, what we say, how we act and all our of relationships. Negative feelings, anxieties, can easily overwhelm us and paralyze our lives. We must learn how to deal with our anxieties. Here’s how.

First – Faith

We must exercise it in order to overcome. Our faith is based on the character and promises of God. Faith is a decision we make. We choose to believe and trust in God – even when it feels useless!

Second – Fact

What is it that is causing anxiety and what does God’s word say about it. We must identify the cause of anxiety, believe the Word of God and, by faith, embrace the truth of God’s promises.

Twelve Sources of Anxiety (and their cure)

Loneliness

Some of you are lonely. You want someone to share your life with; someone to talk to and it causes anxiety.

God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
Jesus said: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
Jesus said: ‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.’ John 14:16–17 (ESV)

And while it may sound trite, it is profoundly true, you can always talk to Jesus. He desires intimacy and surely wants to be your closest friend.

Fear

Are you living in fear? Does fear rule your life? Some fear is good – it keeps us safe, physically and spiritually. Some fear is unhealthy – it overcomes our lives and paralyzes us. We cannot be ruled by fear.
Numerous times God’s word tells us to “fear not!”

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah Psalm 46:1–3 (ESV)

Weakness

Do you feel weak? Do you just feel like you can’t finish anything because of weakness? Or even start anything?

Physical, emotional or spiritual weakness can cripple us! Yet it is at the point of weakness that God does his greatest work in and through our lives.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (ESV)

Temptation

Temptation happens to everyone. You can never escape the reality of temptation. But you don’t have to give in.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

Jesus taught us to pray: lead us not into temptation!

Sickness

Physical illness effects more than our bodies. It effects how we think – our outlook! It is generally God’s will that we be whole. While he may not always heal, he frequently does heal. He loves you!

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. James 5:14-15a (ESV)

Finances

Financial pressure can take its toll. Much anxiety about finances can be eliminated by good stewardship.

Haggai and Malachi both talk about what happens when we give to the Lord. We can count on a positive response from God when we give. He blesses us financially (sometimes). He blesses us with financial insight and wisdom (always).

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:25, 33 (ESV)

Unloved

Sometimes we feel like no one loves us. This can be depressing! We need love to thrive and survive.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39 (ESV)

Uncertain

Uncertainty can cloud our judgment. Whether we are uncertain about decisions or the future or relationships, we don’t like it! The unknown carries with it uncertainty and too much uncertainty is overwhelming.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11–13 (ESV)

Orphaned

If you have feelings of abandonment you might feel that you aren’t loved as even as a child of God. Somehow, you feel undeserving and aren’t experiencing the joy you know you should.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him. If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:18–21, 23 (ESV)

Performance Anxiety

Related to the orphan mentality, sometimes we feel we must do certain things to please God and earn his love and acceptance. This brings great anxiety to our spiritual life. And this feeling is enslaving many people!

Keep in mind we serve out of love not to earn his favor! God’s grace eliminates the need to perform.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1–2 (ESV)

Sin

Sin certainly causes anxiety for the follower of Jesus. You cannot continue to follow for long when unconfessed sin haunts you. Sin removes all the joy from your life and plagues you with guilt.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.          1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Burdened

Many of the pressures of life bring burdens. Work, family and even ministry can burden us. These burdens are a reality but they should never destroy us.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)

Vulnerable

Do you feel vulnerable? This is very similar to experiencing fear. Are you afraid to let people in and are sure that there are secrets or rumors running about that could hurt you.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV)

Ignored

It hurts to be overlooked. It leaves us with feelings of insignificance. Often, it makes us act out of character to try to get attention.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29–31 (ESV)

Third – Finish

With these twelve anxieties and the scripture promises, we can now finish strong. Remember there are feelings but there is also faith and the facts – the truth of God’s word. Today, allow God to bring healing to your life. Pray and ask him to restore your strength and release you from the anxieties that are crippling your life.

Then, testify to what God has done! Share it with someone. You will be an encouragement to them!

I found this story that may also be useful for you. God’s gifts to us include so much that he has given us in the natural realm for our health and well-being.