Understanding Your Anxiety
With everything that’s going on in the world today it’s no wonder we’re anxious. We’re stressed about politics, the economy, health, education, our job, our marriage, our family. If you’re going to be a leader worth following, you have to learn how to deal with the stress and anxiety of life because the world is never going to be perfect. There will always be something to worry about. So, the question is, how should we deal with our anxiety?
Four Types of Anxiety
- Anxiety because of danger
- Clinical anxiety
- Anxiety because of sin
- Anxiety because you don’t trust God
How to deal with anxiety will depend on which type you’re experiencing. Good news - no matter which type, it can get better! Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stressful situations. Usually, we just want it to go away, but what if your anxiety is something that God wants to use for your good?
Step 1 - Identify Your Triggers
- Most anxiety flows from some kind of fear.
- Identifying the fear that triggers your anxiety is the first step.
- Ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?”
- Write it down in a journal so you can see it with your eyes.
- Ask yourself, “Can I limit my exposure to it?”
Step 2 – Identify Your Typical Response
- When worry and anxiety begin to fill your mind, how do you typically respond?
- Do you explode?
- Do you shut down?
- Do you fight?
- Do you self-medicate?
- Do you stay busy?
- Write it down in your journal.
Step 3 – Turn to Scripture
- Study it.
- Meditate on it.
- Apply it to your life.
- God is trying to communicate something to you through your anxiety.
Homework: Ask yourself these questions and write down your answers:
- What triggers my anxiety?
- What am I afraid of?”
- Can I limit my exposure to this fear or situation?
Next Episode: We’ll continue to talk about how to deal with anxiety, specifically how Jesus tells us to respond to it.
Resources: Visit trentstewart.org to sign up for “The TSL Five,” my monthly newsletter full of free resources. You’ll also get updates on new podcast episodes and show notes.
Connect with me on social media @trentonjstewart