Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Anxiety with the Word of God

It has been said that we are what we think about. Our thoughts determine our actions. What if our thoughts are based on fear and lies? We can,'What if' ourselves to no end. You know, when we think, "What if this happens?" and then "What if that happens?" It seems that the more we worry the worse it gets. We may find ourselves in a cycle that is hard to break out of. Sort of like the mouse on the wheel going around and around and getting nowhere.

Getting help for our Mental Health is imperative to change the way we think. There are many options available. Doctors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Counselors, and Pastors all seem to have different ideas on how to treat anxiety. But taken together we can overcome this debilitating disease of the mind. We are made up of body, mind, and spirit and all of these parts need to be well in order for us to function in our normal, everyday lives.

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary Anxiety is:

Full Definition of anxiety

plural anx·i·eties

1. 1a : painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated illb : fearful concern or interestc : a cause of anxiety

2. 2: an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it

   
   

   
   

If you a a Believer, than you know that the Word of God is alive and accomplish amazing things. Just by reading it, listening to it, or meditating on it your mind can be renewed and changed. but where do we start? That Bible is a pretty big book. I have compiled a list of Bible verses that have helped me cope with my own anxiety and depression. And my mind is not the same. I am more hopeful today. I believe that good things will happen. There is hope. There is life after anxiety or depression.

Here is a list of terms I have gathered for when you feel lost, abandoned, hopeless, or afraid. For example - when you feel abandoned, read Isaiah 54:5.

1.Abandoned: Isaiah 54:5

For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

2.Afraid: Jeremiah 1:8

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.

3.Afraid: Psalm 118:6-7

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.

4.Afraid: John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

5.Alone: John 14:18

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

6.Alone: John 14:26

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

7.Anger: 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

8.Anxious: 1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

9.Anxious: Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

10.Broken: Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

11.Crazy: 2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

12.Crazy: Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

13.Don't fit in: John 15:18-19

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

14.Fear: Ruth 3:11

And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

15.Fear: Judges 6:12

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."

16.Fear: 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

17.Fear: Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

18.Fearful: Psalm 91:9-12

If you say, "The Lord is my refuge," and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you,no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning youto guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

19.Helpless: Psalm 30:2

Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

20.Hopeless: Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

21.Hopeless: Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

This is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

22.Insignificant: Jeremiah 1:5 "

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart;I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

23.Lost: Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

24.Negativity: Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

25.Overwhelmed: 1 John 4:4

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

26.Rejected: Hosea 2:23

I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'"

27.Rejected: John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

28.Sick: Matthew 9:35

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

29.Sick: Psalm 41:3

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.

30.Stupid: Psalm 139:1-5

You have searched me, Lord,and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before,and you lay your hand upon me.

31.Unloved: John 15:9

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

32.Unloved: Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

33.Unloved: Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

34.Unsettled: Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.35.Useless: Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

36.Weary: Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Fear is "False Evidence Appearing Real". Fear can be overcome. It may be based on truth or it may be based on lies. We need the Word of God to have a solid foundation to stand on. If the Word says I can have a healthy, happy life then I choose to believe it today.

• I can overcome my fears with God's help and His Word to renew my mind.
• I can choose to go see the Doctor to make sure I am physically well.
• I can choose to see the Counselor to help me be emotionally well.
• I can choose to get spiritually well - with the Word of God.
• I can choose to get better today, and so can you.