In our journey through life, we often find ourselves carrying a heavy weight. Loss, failure, sin, tragedy, missed dreams, and the relentless pressures of daily life can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and heavy-hearted. These and other may lead us astray from God which also allows a spirit of anxiety to steal our peace. As a Christian counselor, I want to assure you that you are not alone. Depression, anxiety and grief are common responses to difficult circumstances, but they don’t have to control your life.
Let’s explore three distinct ways the spirit of anxiety causes heaviness in our lives and how to find freedom:
1. The Weight of Growth:
Growth is inherently uncomfortable. When we move to live in a way or place we are unfamiliar, when we take on new responsibilities, or push beyond our comfort zones, we will inevitably experience pressure and a sense of being overwhelmed. Whenever we are in a season of growth, we need to think of if like building muscle in the gym: the pain and difficulty are essential for growth. Similarly, spiritual and emotional growth requires pushing past uncomfortable feelings. Remember, “there’s no growth inside the comfort zone.” This weight is a sign that you are expanding and developing.
2. Anxiety is a Symptom:
Often, we perceive anxiety and depression as the core problems, but they are more truly the indicators of an underlying issue. As therapist I want to teach you that the feelings of depression and anxiety are a response to something else. The root of it needs to be explored because God designed our bodies to alert us when something needs change. Pause, evaluate, and adjust. This might mean reassessing your schedule, relationships, career, or prioritizing rest. Refocus upon God must be apart of your evaluation. You are not broken, God didn’t make us to be broken, but rely upon him and depend upon your purpose to get your though. Seek guidance from a good Christian counselor or trusted individuals to help you identify and address what needs to change and if you are walking in your purpose.
3. Recognizing the Spiritual Battle: A Spirit of Heaviness:
Sometimes, the weight we feel is a direct spiritual attack. The enemy tries to crush us with lies. But, don’t mistake every challenge for spiritual warfare. God might be refining you, or you might be facing the results of your choices. Real spiritual battles often pop up before or after significant spiritual events, trying to steal your joy or throw unusual problems your way. Leaders might face it as tough relationship issues. So, learn to recognize the signs, and turn to prayer for help.
Finding Freedom in Christ:
The good news is that you don’t have to succumb to this heaviness. God has provided some powerful tools to break free:
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Prayer and Spiritual Support:
- Ask Jesus-following friends or pastors to pray with you, commanding the Spirit of Anxiety to leave.
- Remember the power of intercessory prayer, as mentioned in Philippians 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:7, replacing worry with God-centered prayer.
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Worship and Focus on Jesus:
- Worship shifts our focus from our problems to the power and presence of Jesus.
- Worry and fear thrive when our eyes are off Jesus, but worship restores Him to His rightful place in our hearts.
- “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)
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Intuition and Inner Wisdom:
- Spiritual anxiety can disconnect you from your intuition.
- Realign with your inner wisdom, recognizing that anxiety may signal that your inner voice is being overshadowed by external noise.
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Align with Purpose:
- Feeling stuck or lost can be a sign of spiritual anxiety.
- Align your actions with your core values and soul path.
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Manage Worry and Mindset:
- Constant worry indicates an unsettled spirit.
- Learn to manage your mind, preventing it from constantly dwelling on uncontrollable future events.
- “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
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Grounding and Self-Connection:
- Anxiety can lead to feeling ungrounded.
- Reconnect with your highest self through practices that foster self-compassion and aligned wisdom.
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Address Negative Self-Talk:
- Anxiety often manifests as negative self-talk.
- Heal by learning to care for your mind, addressing the root causes of the inner critic.
- Practice the advice of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “talk to yourself instead of allowing your self to talk to you.”
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Break Self-Sabotaging Patterns:
- Spiritual anxiety can lead to self-sabotage.
- Identify and reprogram these patterns, recognizing they often stem from unmet needs.
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Meditation on God’s Word:
- God consoles us through His word and promises.
- Memorize scripture and speak it aloud when anxiety attacks.
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Seek Truth and Community:
- Surround yourself with people who speak truth and encouragement.
- “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4)
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Examine Your Heart:
- Search for “the sin beneath the sin,” such as fear, pride, or unbelief.
- Confess and repent of these root sins.
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Focus on Stewardship:
- Distinguish between righteous concern and debilitating anxiety.
- Focus on what you can control, entrusting the rest to God.
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Practice Philippians 4:6-8:
- Pray with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and meditate on positive, godly thoughts.
- Embrace the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
By recognizing the source of your anxiety and applying biblical principles, you can break free from its grip and walk in the peace and freedom that Christ offers. Remember, you are not alone, and healing is possible. Overcoming the Spirit of Anxiety is a journey, and God is with you every step of the way. Learn to identify and overcome the enemy’s attacks, find freedom in Christ, and reclaim your peace. A Christian counselor shares insights on battling the spirit of anxiety and explores biblical strategies for healing and lasting peace.
My name is Jane Perkins and I am a Licensed Christian Biblical counselor who is unafraid to provide answers and guidance from scripture. I’d love to hear your story.
Let’s set up a time to chat today!
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