FEAR ANXIETY AND WORRY

FEAR ANXIETY AND WORRY Part 2          Too stressed to rest. TOO nervous to socialize and to tense to relax.   Lord, help me. THREE FRIENDS OF FEAR, ANXIETY AND WORRY ARE: STRESS, TENSION AND NERVOUSNESS "...put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." (Psalm 131:1) Also read: Psalm 139:1-23 The possible causes of anxiety and fear are many: Conflict, health problems, dangerous situations, death, unmet needs, spiritual problems, false beliefs, etc. "According to the Bible, there is nothing wrong with realistically acknowledging and trying to deal with the identifiable problems of life. To ignore danger is fooling and wrong. But it is also wrong, as well as unhealthy, to be immobilized by excessive worry. Such worry must be committed to prayer to God, who can release us from paralyzing fear or anxiety, and free us to deal realistically with the needs and welfare both of others and of ourselves." (Dr. Gary R. Collins, Christian Counseling, p. 66.) Some general, common sense suggestions for those weighed down with fear, anxiety or worry... SIN IN YOUR LIFE - Sometimes fear and anxiety are the result of one's own sin and guilt. If you have committed a sin or done anything evil, your fear and anxiety is probably God and your own conscience trying to get your attention. You need to repent, confess your sin, seek God's forgiveness, and set it right. SLEEP - Humans generally need 8 or 9 hours of sleep per day. Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety. Get enough rest. If you cannot sleep, you may need to seek God's help and perhaps that of a physician. BE MORE REALISTIC - Many people are worried and anxious about events that will never actually will happen to them. Relax. Focus on today. Take life one day at a time. LISTEN to relaxing, soothing music. There is some great Christian music available that can help you focus on God and leave your fears and worries behind. It may also help to listen to good Christian speakers and teachers. FUN - If at all possible, do something that you enjoy. It is good to get some recreation on a regular basis. Take a break. Get your mind off your fears and worries, and have some fun. TALK to someone. Don't hold all the anxiety inside. It can be a big relief to share your fears and worries with someone else -- a friend, relative, pastor or counselor. If fear and anxiety is an ongoing problem in your life, schedule a regular time each week to talk with someone. TAKE ACTION - If there is something practical and wise that you can do to alleviate the problem or avoid needless danger, take action. Don't put it off. Procrastination will generally raise your anxiety level. EXERCISE - Medical studies show that exercise can help lower anxiety. If you are healthy enough to exercise, try it. Regular brisk walks, running, swimming or other exercises can be a real stress reducer. PROFESSIONAL HELP - There are various organizations which provide help for people with anxiety attacks, including the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety (stresscenter.com) which provides self-help. You can search for information and assistance on the Web using keywords such as: anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia. You should be able to find local help by consulting you pastor or physician. "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work" (2 Thes. 2:16-17).