Tips To Stop The Cycle of Anxious Thoughts

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WRITTEN BY A REAL PERSON

Anxious thoughts and panic attacks are no joke. No one plans them—or wants them. They spring upon us from out of nowhere, hearts and minds racing, desperate to escape the anxious and fearful thoughts and find peace.

My dear friend, I’m so glad you are reading this post. First of all, for those who feel shame or embarrassment for struggling with anxiety, I want to encourage you that God is not disappointed in you. Many Believers get caught up in shame when anxiety comes upon them because we are all well aware that scripture tells us NOT to worry and be anxious…yet, here we are.

For me, anxious thoughts pounce out of nowhere as I’m falling asleep. One minute I’m relaxed, content, and drifting off into a lovely rest, and the next second I’m in full-on panic mode, not knowing why my heart and mind are racing. So it can be hard when we hear the verse about not worrying or being anxious, as none of us WANTS to be, and it can feel like a failure when we are—which only adds to the anxiety.

Second, give yourself grace. God is so patient with us, as it takes time and work to be formed in His likeness. Just being able to grasp that God is full of grace and patience toward us alleviates much anxiety and stress. The key is to lean into Yahweh and ask for help; He loves prayers of help!

Worry and anxiety change our perceptions and paralyze our lives. Panic attacks plagued me for years but have now become less of an issue, and when they do happen (and they do), I’ve learned how to dispel those thoughts much quicker than I used to.

How? Repeating scripture over and over and praying by the Holy Spirit.

RELATED: 23 Bible Verses to Rise Above Anxiety and Fear

Relief is not always immediate or easy; our battles often take time and effort. Some nights I have to walk the floors in the dark, while praying, until peace settles over my mind and heart. Many times, I journal after I’ve prayed a bit so that the Lord can speak to me through my pen and reveal anything that I need to address with Him. The quickest way to stop the anxiety is to write out scripture verses or pray them aloud, even if I don’t feel like it. Every situation is different. There is no 3 or 12-step solution that is always effective. But what is always effective is running into the arms of Yahweh.

RECAP: TIPS TO STOP ANXIOUS THOUGHTS

  • Brush off thoughts of shame or embarrassment. (Yet, REJECT anxiety. This is not your inheritance as a Believer in Jesus.)
  • Give yourself grace, remembering that Yahweh is so patient and is waiting for you to lean into Him for help.
  • Pray for help (see below)
  • Look up verses of scripture that are meaningful to you. Pray them aloud, write them down, personalize them.
  • Pray in/by the Holy Spirit. Ask God to reveal the WHY so you can address any issues under His guidance.
  • Journal
  • Command anxiety to leave in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Father, thank you that you care about what is causing my anxious thoughts and my tears. I’m so humbled that you created me and care for me. Your Word tells me not to be anxious and that You’ve given me everything I need. I know that You desire that my soul be at peace. Right now, I feel as if I’m at the bottom of the pit. Anxious thoughts are swirling, and it feels like I’m drowning in them. Help me. Calm my thoughts. Help me to trust You—to believe You and Your Word, for they are true. May I rest in Your goodness and Your promises. In faith, I trust You with what is causing me anxiety. You are greater than anything I’m facing right now; I know it in my head, but I need help believing it in my heart. Amen.

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