Defeat Anxiety By Changing Your Thought Life

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalms 139:23

Anxiety is a prison. It strangles joy; it drains physical energy; it restricts healthy breathing; and it fogs mental focus. It seeks to take your life.

Anxiety is fear by another name. Worry is a short stride to anxiety, and anxiety is a short stride to fear. II Timothy 1:7 says that “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” First, from this verse, it is clear that fear is a spirit. You can only defeat a spirit with the Holy Spirit. It does not matter how many times you practice deep breathing or drink green tea, that spirit will be attached to you.

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The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:13-17 how to protect ourselves from spirits like fear. It directs us to put on the armor of God; we are to literally cover ourselves with God. It says to put on Truth. The prevalent philosophy today is that there is no real Truth, and it is whatever we want it to be. This is a lie. 1 John 4:3 says, “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” There is one Truth. Put it on.

Scripture also instructs to put on the “breastplate of righteousness.” Righteousness is doing what is just and right (Ezekiel 18:5). Sin exposes you to ploys of the enemy. It softens your resolve; it weakens spiritual focus; and it gives a foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:27). Put on right speech, right actions, and right motives.

Anxiety is birthed in your thought life: “Why did she use that tone of voice with me? I bet I’ll mess this up too. I’m just not good at dealing with people. I can’t believe I did that. What is wrong with me? He doesn’t really love me. I’d better not try it; I’ll fail.”

One encounter can be replayed and reimagined and reworded until mental and even physical exhaustion sets in. The imagination is powerful—for building up and for breaking down. It can cause roller coaster emotions, interrupted sleep, and troubled relationships. Destructive thoughts make you soul-sick.

The Bible in 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Cast down every imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” There is a war raging in your mind. Every thought that is not true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8), get it out. Call it down. Take it captive!

Think about it.

What are some damaging thoughts you have had that you know need to go? How can thoughts like this cause worry, anxiety, and fear?

Read about it.

Read through Ephesians 6:13-17. How can you put on peace, put on faith, and put on salvation? Read Ephesians 6:18. What is the key to putting on the full armor? How should this change your life?

Pray about it.

Lord, at times my soul is troubled within me, even to the point that I cannot be myself. Please forgive me for allowing my fear to overcome my faith in You. Bring my mind into full submission to you so my entire life will be transformed. Renew a right spirit within me, and restore my peace. Restore my rest. Restore my laughter, and make my soul glad once again. In Jesus name.