6 Steps for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Security

Consider these 6 Steps for Decreasing Anxiety

and Increasing Security:

1. Identify: Identify the thoughts/statements that you are saying to yourself i.e. “I am unlovable”, “I will always be alone”, "Something terrible will happen", "What will they think of me?", "What if..." etc.

2. Pray: Bring your thoughts to God, ask for wisdom/awareness, and seek forgiveness for any wrong that you may have done.

3. Evaluate: Is there any truth to these thoughts? Could there be another possible reason for this to be happening?

4. Make a choice: If there is no evidence for these thoughts choose to deny the lies that you are believing.

5. Accept: Accept God’s truth, believe what He says about you, and believe who He says you are.

Replace the negative statement that you have been replaying in your head with a true statement about yourself from God’s word. i.e. “I am precious to God” (1 Corinthians 6:20), “I can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13), “I was uniquely made” (Psalm 139:13), “I am loved” (Jeremiah 31:3), “I am protected” (Psalms 121:3).

6. Stay in the present moment: Take a few breaths and realize that you can enjoy this present moment free from anxiety through faith. Your anxiety does not stem from your circumstance, but from what you choose to believe about your circumstance.

Learn to flip the script and

look for the positive!

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In life there will always be circumstances that are out of our control. We cannot choose what comes into our lives, but we can choose how we will respond. Consider Paul’s words and practice thinking on what God has said about you instead of what others may have said. This is not a natural response, but with practice you can learn to live in the middle of God’s peace even while experiencing rejection or difficulty. By training your mind to think on truth you will be free to pursue His will for you life and find freedom from anxious thoughts.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Our thoughts are so powerful. What will you choose? Will you listen to that negative voice of fear/rejection or choose to risk vulnerability with the God of the universe?

To be truly known the willingness to risk must outweigh the fear of possible rejection.

God is calling to you today saying _________ (insert your name) I love you. You are precious to me. You can do all things through my power, I will strengthen you. I uniquely made you for a purpose. Lay down your worries, allow me to heal the wounds that you carry, and trust me. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are mine.

For more information please contact Melissa Rowell, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, at Melissa@riverparkcounseling.com or call 772-0248 to schedule your free over the phone consultation. www.riverparkcounseling.com