How to Build Faith and Overcome Anxiety

We’ve been talking about anxiety and how it can be used for our good when we know how to respond to it. Today I want to finish this series by sharing three practical ways to redirect your anxiety to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God. In Philippians chapter 4, Paul teaches us three important ways to build faith and overcome your anxiety. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) 1. Let Anxiety Be a Trigger for Prayer As soon as you start to worry - stop, take a deep breath, and tell it all to God. Admit that you don’t know what to do and that you need help. James 4:2 says, “You do not have, because you do not ask.” If we prayed as much as we worried, we’d have a lot less to worry about. Over 20 times in the New Testament, God tells us to ask. Nothing is out of His control. He’s the source of all our needs. Have you really been praying about the situation? Thinking about it is not the same as praying about it. How much would you have if you simply asked God? 2. Let Anxiety Be a Trigger for Thankfulness Tell Jesus what’s weighing you down, but also what you’re thankful for. Instead of thinking about worst case scenarios and the bad things that MIGHT happen, think about the great things that ARE happening. An important step of spiritual growth is to replace negative thoughts with thanksgiving. Make a list of all the things you’re thankful for. Stop allowing things that haven’t happened (and probably never will) to rule your thoughts and stress you out. 3. Let Anxiety Be a Trigger that Jesus is With You Jesus hasn’t left you. He’s nearby. He knows exactly what you’re going through and where your heart is. Are you still trying to do everything in your own power? Maybe God wants you to come to the end of your rope so that you realize you need Him. God will give you what you need for today. If He gave you everything all at once, how often would you go to Him in prayer? God wants you to depend on Him daily. That’s what it means to live by faith. Final Thought: Let Anxiety Be a Trigger to Trust God. (1 Peter 5:6-11) When the anxiety begins to hit, let that be a trigger to trust God. The problems and anxieties you’re facing today are actually going to make you a stronger person if you allow them to. You’ll have a deeper relationship with the Lord, more joy, and greater appreciation of life if you take your concerns to God and trust Him. Resources: Visit trentstewart.org and sign up for the TSL 5 to start receiving free resources to equip you on your leadership journey. You’ll also get updates on new podcast episodes and immediate access to the show notes. Connect with me on social media @trentonjstewart