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What gives you anxiety? Do you agree with the following statements describing how you feel at times? I've collected statements from my peers and here's what they had to say about anxiety:205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT08zPZ0qXH
Darren says: "I'm constantly thinking: 'What if...?' 'What if we get in a car accident?' 'What if our plane goes down?' I'm anxious about things that a more rational person wouldn't worry so much about."
Jessica says: "I feel anxious all the time, as though I were a hamster on a wheel running around but never getting anywhere. I'm working myself to death but not really accomplishing anything!"
Ty'Shawn says: "When people tell me that I'm fortunate that I'm still in school, I say to myself, 'They have no idea how stressful school is!"
Here's a fact of life: 2 Timothy 3:1 (NLT) ~ "You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times hard to deal with will be here." Because of that, anxiety can affect us young people as much as it affects adults. 205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdy9J2Yt1z
However, anxiety isn't always bad. In fact, the Bible says that it is right for people to be anxious to please the ones they love. Let's face it, anxiety can be a powerful motivator. For example, suppose you were to be taking a test at school the folowing week. Anxiety might compel you to study this week and that might help you earn a better grade!
A degree of anxiety can also alert you to danger. This is what one of peers had to say. Johnathan says: "You might feel anxious because you know that you're taking a wrong course of action and that you need to make changes for your conscious to be at rest." Here's another fact of life: Anxiety can work for you as long as it moves you to the right kind of action.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYD0usHMYc
But what about the negative thinking that may come with anxiety, sometimes, it makes you feel like you're trapped in a maze. Yet, someone with a different perspective could help you find a way out.
Marcus says: "My mind races when I think about the different ways a stressful situation could turn out. I play the situation over and over in my mind to the point that it makes me very anxious."
The Bible says in Proverbs 14:30 (NLT) ~ "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body." On the other hand, anxiety can brind on a number of unpleasant physical symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and heart palpitations.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86q0DPRRKZ
Here's what we can do now.
When we are facing anxiety and it seems to be working against us rather than for us:
(1) Question the reasonableness of your anxiety. Kathy says: "Being concerned about your responsibilities is one thing; being overly anxious is another. It reminds me of the saying, 'Anxiety is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."
Scripture: Matthew 6:27 (NLT) ~ "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Unless anxiety leads us toward a solution, it will only add to our problem, or even become the problem.
(2) Take things one day at a time. Jenasia says: "Think it through. Will what you are anxious about matter tomorrow, in a month, in a year, in five years?"
Scripture: Matthew 6:34 (NLT) ~ "Never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles." It makes little sense to take on tomorrow's problems, some of which may never even become a reality.
(3) Learn to live with what you cannot change. Eli says: "The best you can do is prepare for situations to the extent possible, but accept the fact that some situations are out of your control."
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NLT) ~ "I have observed something under the sun. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful ar not necessarily wealthy. Those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by time and unexpected events that overtake them all." Sometimes you cannot change your circumstances, but you can change the way you view them.
(4) Put your situation in perspective. Alex says: " I find that I have to focus on the big picture and not stress over the details. I have to choose my battles and channel my energy into taking care of priorities."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJpsBU76a2
Scripture: Philippians 1:10 (NLT) ~ "For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return." People who put their anxieties in perspective are less likely to be overwhelmed by them.
(5) Talk to someone. I myself say this: "When I was in sixth grade, I would come home from school very anxious, dreading the next day. Momma and Papa would just listen to me as I expressed my feelings. It was so good to have them there. I could trustt them and speak freely to them. It helped me to face the next day."
Scripture: Proverbs 12:25 (NLT) ~ "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraing word cheers a person up." A parent, friend, neighbor, or a mature Christian might be able to give you practical suggestions on how to reduce your anxiety.
(6) Pray. I myself say this: "Praying and doing so aloud so I can hear voice, helps me. It allows me to vocalize what I am anxious about instead of keeping it in my head. It also helps me to realize that Yahweh is greater than my anxiety."
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) ~ "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." Prayer is not a mental trick. It is real communication with Yahweh God, who promises us this in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) ~ "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Stay blessed, safe, and continue to be you! Love you my dear brothers and sisters of the world. Amen xoxo205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDV1lsMoPd
