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Many Christians suffer from anxiety.  Anxiety is a dynamic worry or concern over a situation, problem, or a possible problem.  It can also be a lingering state of worry for no apparent reason.  While anxiety is related to fear, it manifests more as a consistent state of worry or nervousness.  Anxiety in the life of a Christian will always be used by our spiritual enemies to destroy us. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). 

While God gives his children love, joy, and peace, the enemy brings anger, depression, and anxiety.  Our state of mind is often more important than our physical condition.  The mind drives the body, so if the mind is disturbed, the body will not function correctly.  Lack of peace can destroy the child of God or leave them in an ineffective state, totally powerless to live the victorious life.  This is why one of the main tactics of our spiritual enemies is to disturb our peace of mind. 

The new nature that God has given to his children is a nature of power and peace; however, it is our responsibility to take control of our minds and allow God’s peace to rule in our lives.  God’s promises are not automatically obtained, they must be received by faith.  We use our faith to bring what has been done in the spiritual to manifestation in the natural.   

Jesus has given us peace, a peace that goes way beyond anything that the world has to offer.  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).  It is our responsibility to take control of our mental state, obtain God’s peace by faith, and fight against the anxiety, depression, and fear that our spiritual enemies promote.  

Our level of peace is directly related to the amount of time that we stay in God’s presence.  “You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock” (Isaiah 26:3-4 World English Bible).  As we live in God’s presence we look to him and not to our problems.  Our focus is on God and not on our difficult situations.     

Some major problems can mentally overwhelm the child of God and cause them to go into a state of extreme anxiety. This is because many Christians rate their problems according to difficulty.  They consider some problems to be big while other situations are placed in the small category.  This would be a valid approach if we ourselves were solving or attempting to solve our issues  However, since it is God who ultimately solves are problems, we must realize that no problem is “big” in God’s eyes.  So instead of mentally clinging to your problems because you feel that they are just too big to solve, bring them to God in prayer.  

It is important to share our problems and concerns with God.  Many Christians keep things bottled up inside of them, and they do not share their troubles with their Father.  “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).  We are to continually pray about are anxieties and our concerns.  Once we bring these issues before God, we then leave them with him.  God will work out all of our negative situations, in his timing, for his glory.     

Anxiety is often the result of focusing on our problems instead of understanding the power of God.  Anxiety and worry are actually indicators of a lack of faith in God.  Defeat anxiety by bringing your issues to God.  When you feel anxious about anything, focus on God and his word.  The peace of God will overtake you and keep your mind at peace.