This is the second installment in a series of articles concerning the importance of Mental Health and Christianity, researched and written by Mrs. Andrina Jordan (MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS). For more information about her practice, visit 712 Q.A.C.C. Counseling For The Soul, LLC.

Fear is a normal emotion. It is an unsettling feeling of being afraid caused by a person’s perception of danger. One’s perception can be real or imagined. Fear alerts us of danger to help keep us safe. Fear becomes unhealthy when one’s thought process becomes distorted. This then begins to transform into anxiety.

Anxiety itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or being anxious. Anxiety is the body’s response to stress. Some responses are more severe than others, creating levels of anxiety. The severity of the symptoms determine if the level of anxiety is healthy or unhealthy. Examples of healthy levels of anxiety are when an individual is excited about getting married but has mild fears about the unknown future of being a spouse. Other examples are being nervous about starting a new job or anxious to go on vacation.

Severe anxiety is an overwhelming feeling of fear, dread, excessive worry, or being anxious, which usually interferes with daily functioning. This is not healthy. Anxiety may manifest itself in the following ways; panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts, irrational or repetitive thoughts, irritability, sweaty palms, paranoia, upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, lack of focus, and sleep problems. There are different types of anxiety; generalized anxiety, phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, Agoraphobia, and separation anxiety. We will not go into detail about each of these at this time but stay tuned as we will elaborate on them in future blogs.

What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety?

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV.

This lets us know that we have the capacity to control our fears. A wise friend once told me, “I have never met a man who can stop a thought, but we can all change our thoughts”. Wow! How empowering is that?

So, what would this look like to change thoughts of fear and anxiety? First, you may want to challenge your thoughts by asking yourself what are the facts? Do you have a legitimate reason to feel fearful? If not, positive self-talk can help. Take a few deep breaths and tell yourself, “I am safe”. Be bold in the Lord and exert the power which he has given you.

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth . . .” – Genesis 1:26 KJV.

If God has given us dominion over all the Earth, then he has given us control over “all” things in the Earth, including our minds.

Show the spirit of love by being compassionate to yourself. Why worry about things that are outside of your control? Do what you can, pray about the situation and let God do what he is going to do.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” -Philippians 4:6 KJV.

This requires us to surrender, trust that God is able and let go of the fear and worry that holds us captive. Activate your positive self-talk and tell yourself, “It will be ok”. You may have to say this or a variation of this a few times to yourself until you begin to feel a level of comfort.

How do we obtain and maintain a sound mind? We must first be diligent with protecting our minds. What are we feeding our minds physically and spiritually? Of course, we know that we must eat healthy physical foods to support the proper growth and development of the brain. So why would we not be mindful of the knowledge that we consume through books, experiences, and counsel from others? If we want to obtain and maintain the spirit of a sound mind that God has given us then we must walk in the spirit.

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 KJV.

This means, if we consider ourselves to be Christians then we must walk in God’s likeness. We must focus on those things that are righteous and cast out those false imaginations that cause us to suffer in vain.

“…Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV.  

This, as servants of Christ, is how we conquer fear and anxiety! Peace. Love, and Blessings In Jesus’ Mighty Name.