WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ANXIETY - 02/04/15 SADELL BRADLEY NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI

During a Q&A time after our sermon series on marriage, we were asked, "How do you deal with the anxiety you feel as you're addressing difficult issues in your relationship?" Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Even when our anxiety is about doing something positive, the uncertainty can cause dis-ease.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adults 18 and older (18% of the population). They cost us $42 Billion a year. (ADAA -The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry) Interestingly, anxiety disorders are more prevalent in developed countries than in developing countries, and women are more prone.

Before all of these studies came into play, God, in His infinite wisdom knew we would experience times of anxiety in our lives and relationships.  The Apostle Paul gave us GOD'S remedy and action plan for anxiety in Philippians 4:4-9. If we would meditate and apply the action steps in this Scripture, we would experience the joy and peace we ALL long for:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your  gentleness (moderation, KJV) be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice, or JOY AGAIN always! When circumstances move you out of joy...JOY AGAIN in the Lord!! When anxiety hits, as a first option PRAY and PETITION- (meaning a SPECIFIC request), with thanksgiving, indicating you're praying in FAITH, and you will experience God's peace, even through dire situations.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you

God is a God of exchange. He doesn't just tell us, "Don't be anxious" He gives us what to think about.  I love the first category, "Whatever is TRUE..." The enemy is a deceiver. (John 8:44) He lies and suggests to get us anxious and distracted.  A practical step you can take before being overcome with anxiety, is to ask yourself this question, "How true is what I'm thinking right now...?" then follow the instructions given in this passage...it will change your life!! 

**If your anxiety issues are at a crisis level, seek help! Proverbs admonishes us to get counsel and advice in everything from our plans to waging war. (Prov. 11:14, 15:21-23, 20:18) A wise person heeds sound instruction and advice.**