Cure for Anxiety

Cure for Anxiety
Apprehension, worry, even panic -- will there ever be cure for anxiety? Like the common cold, nearly everyone experiences anxiety. No one is immune to its effects. Our breathing becomes short and our heart pounds before a doctor’s visit, final exam, or job interview. It’s when fear or worry constantly prevents an individual from experiencing a fulfilling life that one may fall victim to an anxiety disorder:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – A persistent fear that something is going to happen.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to control.
• Panic Disorders – Repeated, unexpected panic attacks, such as fear of being in places where escape or help would be difficult.
• Phobia – An improbable or extreme fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that in reality presents little or no danger.
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – The result of an actual traumatic or life-threatening event. Flashbacks and nightmares are common.
• Social Anxiety Disorder – A paralyzing fear of public humiliation or being seen negatively by others. “Stage fright” is the most common form of social phobia.

Cure for Anxiety - Surrendering
When your stress level soars, finding a cure for anxiety begins with lightening your load. In many cases, certain responsibilities need to be surrendered to others. The story is told of a man who met God in a lovely valley one day. The man asked God if there was anything that he could do for Him. God asked the man to pull God’s wagon filled with three stones up a hill. The man joyfully began his ascent along the winding road. At the first village, a person took advantage of the man’s dedication to God by adding their “apprehension rock” to the wagon. Upon approaching the second village, the man’s oldest friend, John, added his bag of “worry pebbles” to the wagon’s load. With each stop more weight was taken on, making the load unbearable. Soon resentment replaced rejoicing. Overcome with anxiety, the man cried out to God, “I’m just not strong enough!” One by one God unloaded the excess items from the wagon. Then God told him, “I know you were trying to help, but when you are weighted down with all these cares, you cannot do what I asked of you.”

• Are you overburdened with responsibilities? “Cast all your anxiety on him because he [God] cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• Do you receive the emotional support that you need? “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...” (Isaiah 41:10).
• Do you schedule time daily for relaxation and renewal? “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength...” (Isaiah 40:31).
• Are you taking care of your body (nutrition, exercise)? “Did you [God] not... clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence [divine direction] watched over my spirit” (Job 10:10-11).
• Do you ask for help when you need it? “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Cure for Anxiety - Hope in the Chaos
There is Someone who understands your anxieties and fears. He is a Restorer: “I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security” (Jeremiah 33:6). Our weariness comes from isolating ourselves from God. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).