GAINING CONTROL OVER YOUR ANXIOUS THOUGHTS

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“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Anxious, worrisome, fearful thoughts… all are a normal part of living in a fallen world. Yet when these intrusive thoughts take over our lives, they can wreak havoc with our emotions and steal away our peace. Often, such thought patterns can become ingrained habits that take time and prayer to break.

Unsettling thoughts may be dropped into our minds by the enemy to make us uneasy or fretful. His ultimate intention is to derail our faith. Even without his attempts, we will come up with many disquieting thoughts on our own. Yet the enemy of our soul will endeavor to fuel the fire of our emotions and stir up the smoldering embers of our ruminations.

Seeking the root cause of our anxious thought processes is important since anxiousness can lead to emotional and physical distress. Awareness is key for healing and victory. Avoid running from your troublesome thoughts. Refrain from unhealthy distractions. For the causes will still be there when you return.

Anxious thoughts often arise from common misperceptions…

  • Thinking negatively – Filtering out the positives – Seeing what is wrong instead of what is right
  • Jumping to conclusions – Making inaccurate assumptions not based on evidence or truth
  • Reliving the past – Replaying troubling situations and events over and over in your mind
  • Dreading the future – Living in fear – Expecting the worst-case scenarios to happen
  • Pleasing people – Striving to make others happy at the risk of your own emotional health
  • Seeking approval – Fearing rejection – Being overly concerned about what people think
  • Expecting perfection – Seeking perfection from yourself, others and life in an imperfect world
  • Feeling guilty – Believing to be at fault for the wrong decisions and directions of others’ lives
  • Being too critical – Focusing on the shortcomings and failures of yourself and others
  • Being too controlling – Trying to control what is beyond your control or responsibility

 

How do we break free from anxious thought patterns?

†   “Be still”

The Hebrew word here is “raphah” which means to sink, to relax, to let go, to cease striving. First, take deep breaths to calm your nerves and turn your focus on God. Then, release the distressing thoughts that are brewing in your mind to Him. Let go of any accompanying emotions of fear, frustration, anger, indignation, regret, discouragement, hopelessness. Give Him the emotions that overwhelm and bind you. Only He can set you free.

Allow the God of All Comfort to bring you solace. Sink into His mercy, His all-sufficiency. Relax in His awesome presence. Bask in His unconditional love. Be consoled by His endless grace. Rest in His promises. Allow His peace to wash over you like a spring rain… to refresh and restore. For He is the antidote to our anxiousness.

When circumstances are beyond your control… give them to the One who controls all. Let your uneasiness melt away. Cease from striving, struggling, battling life on your own. For in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15). The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still (Exodus 14:14).

†   “Know that I am God”

Remember to Whom you belong. Know that He is the Almighty One, sovereign over all. Be aware of His mighty attributes. He is the One who wields all power and authority. Trust that He who is omnipotent is on your side. You are not doing life alone. Be reminded of how precious you are to Him… and how deeply He cares for you.

Prayer is your weapon against anxious thoughts. Prayer unites your spirit with God’s Spirit… your power source. It opens the door for Him to work in your life in dynamic ways. Prayer transforms your mind to more perfectly align with God’s thoughts. It acts as a conduit for His comfort and peace.

Be still before God in worship. Exalt Him in prayer. Pray to the One who has the power to change your situations, your circumstances. Perhaps you cannot see a way… but He can. Let Him take charge. Let Him step in mightily on your behalf. With Him, you will see victory…. sometimes in surprising ways.

When troublesome thoughts return to your mind… which they will… continue to give them all over in prayer. Allow your Burden Bearer to carry them away. Soon they will become but a memory. With each small victory over your anxious thoughts, you will move forward in your faith.

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:17

There is power in the Word of God. The Spirit’s sword is the offensive armor you can use against the troubling thoughts that overwhelm. Pray verses of promise in Scripture aloud. Speak your faith. Live your faith. Change the course of your unsettling thoughts back to God.

Speaking aloud God’s promises will counter the body’s involuntary “fight or flight” response to anxiousness. It will quash the enemy’s attacks and deceptions. It will refocus your mind heavenward… quiet your unsettled emotions… ignite your faith and confidence… and give you new hope.

For our Lord calls us to the heights… above the troubles, worries, fears of life. He invites us to walk with Him on a higher plane, rising above life’s problems and challenges by His power. Be still and know that He is God. In the solitude of His presence, you will find the peace He offers to gain control over the turmoil of your anxious thoughts.