5 Helps for Overcoming Anxiety During Troubling Times

These are certainly anxious times that we live in. My heart goes out to those who battle anxiety during the more normal times. I can’t imagine what you are going through during this COVID-19 crisis.

It’s been an adjustment for me as I look for new and different ways to minister to the people I am shepherding through my workplace chaplaincy and homeless ministry. Admittedly, I am still in the process of figuring things out and trying to identify good ways to continue to fulfill my calling and help those that I know are hurting. As a spiritual, caring and creative (albeit not artistic) man, I am simply trying to walk in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel and be faithful in the things God has given me to do. I would be lying if I said that there is no anxiety present in any of that. There is. Most definitely. I guarantee it.

5 Helps for Overcoming Anxiety During Troubling Times

To deal with anxiety, we first have to admit there is a problem. I learned the value of this truth during recovery. You can’t fix something if you don’t first admit it’s broke. Admitting there is a problem requires a good dose of humility and a significant amount of honesty. Trust me, I am much more willing to help you fix things on your end rather than on mine. That’s probably true for many of us.

During a crisis, we need to be sure to take care of ourselves physically. This is even more true when we battle anxiety. The effects of anxiety on our physical health are not promising. I think that’s why the Bible mentions not being anxious as often as it does. God wants us to rest in Him because He knows that anxiety wreaks havoc on our body.

Protecting our physical condition helps us guard our mind. Guarding our mind also means that we practice being intentional about what goes in it. What goes into our mind  effects us profoundly. When we meditate on the truths of God’s word, we not only empty our minds of the junk that’s in there, but we fill our minds with the right things.

Battling anxiety begins with admitting that we suffer from anxiety.  If you suffer from anxiety,  then during a crisis it is vital you take steps to protect our body and guard your mind. You must also tend to your spiritual condition.

As spiritual beings, you and I are in a constant war with enemies we cannot always see. Experience has taught us that there is always more than meets the eye, especially when we find ourselves going through a crisis. Through prayer and leveraging technology, we can stay connected to God and to others.

Our enemy, the Devil, would like nothing more than to see us become withdrawn and isolated, because he knows that gives him the opportunity to destroy us.

Finally, it’s important that you and I learn to find the silver lining in the storm. Believe it or not, there are blessings amid our trials and troubles. Focus on those things that are right in your life instead of succumbing to the weight of what’s wrong in our world. Allow joy and praise to continue to resonate from your lips as you live each day in a manner worthy of the Gospel.

In summary, our 5 Helps for Overcoming Anxiety During Troubling Times are:

1. Admit there is a problem.
2. Protect your physical health.
3. Guard your mind.
4. Tend to your spiritual condition.
5. Look for the blessings.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some tools and methods you use to overcome your anxiety?
2. How are you coping with the fear, worry, and panic that comes with the uncertainty of COVID-19?
3. What helpful resources would you recommend for someone battling anxiety?

Well, that’s it for the COVID-19 Devotionals | Day 11. My hope and prayer is that these daily devotionals help you see your way clear of this health tsunami known as COVID-19. Know that T and I continue to pray for you, our nation, and the world. May the Lord keep you and shine His favor down upon you in the days ahead. We will persevere and get through this together.

Prayer:

Lord, help us not be anxious about anything and help us put our trust in You, the great sustainer of our lives. Even the birds have food to eat. Let us not be worried about what we shall wear or where our next meal is coming from but help us remember that You alone are sufficient for us. You, Lord, are the living water and bread of life. You are our rock and the anchor of our salvation. Let us see that there are no other gods before us but You, God Almighty. Keep our hearts, our souls, and our minds firmly affixed on You. May Your name be proclaimed over all the ends of the Earth. Let all the nations sing Your praises. May You be hallowed and worshiped by each and every one of us with every breath and fiber of our being. Help us learn to delight in You as You delight in us. We love You, God. We thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be well.

May God’s peace wash over you in these difficult days we are sharing together.

Please SHARE this WordPress blog with your family, friends, and neighbors!

Gratefully,

The Devotional Guy™

To experience life the way God intended, you and I must receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This gift from God is available to all who ask. Will you personally receive the gift of eternal life so that you can experience the total forgiveness from your sins that come through believing in the atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

 

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13