Is worry simply a chemical problem? A mental health problem?
These claims put most, if not all, of the blame for worry outside of ourselves. "Worry is something that happens to me." "I can't do anything about it." This suits our pride well. We are not responsible. It is not my fault. Drugs cover up our inability to handle anxieties.
(1) They also keep us from looking for God's solution.
Anxiety disorders, however, we have seen are primarily a spiritual issue. Unless we are convinced of this, we will not rightly deal with the worries in our lives. Jesus commanded us to stop worrying. He is calling us back to face our own responsibilities. Here are three areas in which we need to act responsibly.
In our Heart
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The heart is the source of our affections. Insecurities are born and rooted in the heart and are called idols because they demand servitude and attention that should only be given to God our Provider. (Mark 12:33)
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AND TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE HEART AND WITH ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL THE STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE'S NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33).
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In our Spirit
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The spirit is where we communicate with God. However, anxiety disorders are called anything but a spiritual condition. Fortunately, restoration of our trust in God is possible by God's grace. We are truly able to gain God's peace.
(I Corinthians 2:10-15)
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For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. (1 Corinthians 2:10-15).
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In our Mind
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The mind is the control center for our thoughts. The evil one tries to gain control of our thought process by tempting us and distorting facts.
(Romans 12:2)
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And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2).
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Our bodies reflect our inner struggles. We are not saying there is no chemical imbalance. Instead we are stating that the chemical (i.e. physical) problems originate from our worries not vice–a–versa. Genuine solutions must eliminate worry not cover them up. We are saddened that so many people are dumbed up under medication that keeps them from seeking for real solutions.
We have discussed the spirit issue in session #2. We saw that man is a spiritual man. At a later time we will speak in length on how the mind is inter-locked into this problem. Our solutions need to simultaneously target all three areas.
Let's summarize this session by pointing out some practical steps. Next page
 Overcoming Anxiety:
Finding Peace, Discovering God Manual
Take the ten steps over the bride of hope to the peace of God. Each step leads further from anxiety and closer to God and the truths of His Word. Instruction on how to overcome fears, worries and handle temptation for lasting peace.
$18.75
3 ring binder; 8 1/2 x 11
Study questions included.
The BFF Discipleship Training Library also includes this series in eBook form!
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