Tips for Reducing Anxiety (Podcast 250)

In spite of the fact that I have been a believer my entire life, I have struggled with anxiety off and on over the years and still do. There are times it has been debilitating.    I’d like to say that I have overcome anxiety and never struggle anymore, but that would be a flat-out lie. However, God has given me wisdom that I can go back to over and over again whenever I am in a season of struggling with anxiety.   Today I am sharing just a few simple principles/practices that have helped me over the years and that I still find very effective.   Scriptures mentioned: Hebrews 12:11  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Proverbs 25:28  A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 2 Timothy 1:7  God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power of love and of self-control (self-discipline) John 4:18,19  Perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.   Phil 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”   (James 1:5-8)   Books mentioned: The Sovereignty of God-AW Pink (not an easy read) Is God Really in Control-Jerry Bridges Humble Roots-Hannah Anderson The Attributes of God-Arthur Pink (When we know our God well, it is far easier to trust Him which reduces our anxiety)   Message mentioned: The Sinfulness of Worry   (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that!  As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less!)