OVERCOMING ANXIETY Philippians 4:4-9

OVERCOMING ANXIETY This is the first in a five part sermon series on overcoming certain personal problems: 1. Overcoming Anxiety. 2. Overcoming Loneliness. 3. Overcoming Anger. 4. Overcoming Grief. 5. Overcoming Guilt. Tonight-- Overcoming Anxiety (also Stress, Fear, & Tension).

Definitions and Kinds of Anxiety OVERCOMING ANXIETY Definitions and Kinds of Anxiety Anxiety might be defined as an inner feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, concern, worry, and/or dread which is accompanied by heightened physical arousal. There are six basic kinds of anxiety: 1. ACUTE. 2. CHRONIC. 3. NORMAL. 4. NEUROTIC. 5. MODERATE. 6. HIGH.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY The Bible and Anxiety Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount not to worry (Mt. 6:25-32). Paul taught against worry in Phil. 4. We are to cast our anxieties on God (1Pet. 5:7). In contrast, anxiety in the form of realistic concern is neither condemned nor forbidden. To ignore danger is foolish and wrong. But to be immobilized by excessive worry is unhealthy.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY Causes of Anxiety THREAT– to lose life or have a separation of some sort. This could be losing a freedom or a value held dear and important. CONFLICT— this is two or more pressures at the same time. One may have two goals but can only accomplish one; or may wish to do something and not do something at the same time; or have two things you don’t want to do and must do one.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY Causes of Anxiety FEAR— this is of failure, the future, lack of success, rejection, intimacy, meaninglessness, etc. UNMET NEEDS— such as in Maslow’s hierarchy. Physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem, or self-actualization. INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES— can’t handle the behavior of others, personality conflicts, physical illnesses or differences in theology.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY Reactions to Anxiety PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS— poor health, rashes, headaches, backaches. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS— interference with thinking & reasoning processes. DEFENSIVE REACTIONS— blaming others, hypochondria, complaints, childish behavior, drugs, alcohol. SPIRITUAL REACTIONS— drives us away from God and the church.

Some Possible Solutions OVERCOMING ANXIETY Some Possible Solutions 1. IDENTIFY THE CAUSES— don’t treat symptoms! Search out by observation and reflection on the cause(s).

Some Possible Solutions OVERCOMING ANXIETY Some Possible Solutions 1. IDENTIFY THE CAUSES. 2. GIVE SUPPORT— be calm, supportive and patient. Do not be authoritative or dominant in giving advice.

Some Possible Solutions OVERCOMING ANXIETY Some Possible Solutions 1. IDENTIFY THE CAUSES. 2. GIVE SUPPORT. 3. SHOW LOVE— Love is self-giving; fear is self-protecting (1Jn. 4:18).

Some Possible Solutions OVERCOMING ANXIETY Some Possible Solutions 1. IDENTIFY THE CAUSES. 2. GIVE SUPPORT. 3. SHOW LOVE. 4. ENCOURAGE ACTION— to have the courage to go on even though one is still afraid. “Face your fear and-it will disappear.”

OVERCOMING ANXIETY A Christian Response From Philippians 4:4-9: 1. Rejoice always and again I say rejoice (4:4). 2. Forebear with one another (4:5). 3. Pray (4:6,7). 4. Think on the right things (4:8). 5. Act (4:9).

OVERCOMING ANXIETY Conclusion No one can remove all of the anxiety, stress, fear, and tension from their life. But help is available. TRUST IN GOD. Let God be God; and turn over the things you cannot handle to Him. LEARN to COPE. Admit your fears, communicate them; and be pro-active in dealing with your struggles.