Anxiety can be defined as the feeling of apprehension about what is about to happen. For example, starting a new job, relocating, getting married might make someone feel anxious
Worry can be defined as thinking about unpleasant situations in such a way that you end up feeling anxious or unhappy.
Anxiety and worry are quite similar except that they have very different psychological states. While worry only occurs in the mind, anxiety is visceral, the person actually feels the effect throughout their body.
Anxiety and worry can have very debilitating effects on an individual and this is not what God wants for his children (Jeremiah 29:11)
So, I have outlined the steps a Christian can take to manage anxiety and worry
1. By Prayer
Instead of being anxious or worrying about anything, the first thing you need to do is to pray.
What is prayer? Prayer can be defined as an expression of thanksgiving or a solemn request for help addressed to God or any other deity.
Prayer is how you communicate with God, it is where you can bear your heart, express how you feel, let go of your worries and fears, and lay it down at the feet of Jesus Christ.
Prayer is also the place where God can minister to you. In the bible, after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he was led by the holy spirit to the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil after fasting and praying for 40 days and 40 nights. The bible says that after being tempted by the devil, angels came and ministered unto him.
So, Jesus got ministered to in the place of prayer and the same can happen to you, so when you go to God in prayer, let him know your worries and fears, believing that God hears you and he is strengthening you.
Once you go to GOD in prayer, all you need is faith. Believe that God has heard you and he has ministered to you and he has given you everything needed to survive and strive in that situation.
2. By Supplication
Supplication can be defined as the act of asking GOD for something earnestly or humbly.
Prayer and supplication are very similar, the only difference is that, supplication is a form of prayer.
Supplication is the type of prayer that involves humbly pleading to God for something, it involves asking God to give you something or to do something for you.
While Prayer has different types, it could be, prayer to ask God for something(supplication), the prayer of thanksgiving, etc
The bible advises us that instead of giving in to your fears and worries, carry your burdens to God in the place of supplication.
3. By Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the act of expressing gratitude to GOD. It is important that you live a lifestyle of thanksgiving no matter what you are going through.
The bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, that we should be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.
We all have something to be thankful for. The fact that you are alive today and are able to read this text is one thing to be grateful for today.
So, instead of being overwhelmed by your troubles and fears, go to God in prayer, and supplication and then start giving thanks to God for answering your request.
You have to thank GOD by faith, believe that God has heard you, and if he has heard you, then you have gotten what you asked for.
How To Know When You Have Successfully Prayed Through That Situation
Phillippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus “
According to the bible passage above, after praying, supplicating, and giving thanks, you will start experiencing a peace that transcends all human understanding.
This can be applied to your day-to-day life, for example, when someone gets the bad news of being diagnosed with cancer, this news will make anybody afraid and anxious about the future.
Now, as a Christian, after the initial shock of the news, the Bible advises that you should switch to prayer, then supplication, and then finally, thanksgiving.
Now, the evidence that the person has prayed through this health crisis is that this person will start experiencing peace.
They will describe feeling very hopeful, fearless, and confident of God’s promises concerning their situation
Once you reach this stage, you can be assured that God has heard your prayers and you will come out of that situation victorious.
Another benefit of this “unexplainable peace” is that, if the situation requires you to make decisions and take steps to solve it, the “unexplainable peace” will guide you in the decision you need to take.
If you have to make a decision or take steps but are confused about what to do, choose the decision or step that you are at peace with.
Sometimes, the decision you are at peace with might not be the most attractive decision, but it will be the best decision for you.
Also read, ” HOW TO PRAY EFFECTIVELY FOR RESULTS- A CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO PRAYER “
Conclusion
The cure to a Christian’s anxiety and worry is by casting all your cares on God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.
God will then replace the feelings of anxiety and fear with the peace of God that passes all human understanding.
This peace will guide your mind and heart