We live in a chaotic world that makes it very difficult to avoid fear, worry, and anxiety. I want to give you a few tools to utilize to help combat the negative feelings and that will assist you in walking in total victory.
Get to the Root Cause
I am all about getting to the root cause of every issue, because if not, we are constantly just treating symptoms. We can spend a lifetime treating symptoms and get wore out, but when we address the root cause we can address the real issue and get total freedom.
Some Examples of Root Causes of Fear, Worry and Anxiety
Self: The fear, worry and anxiety could be old strongholds in the mind which are negative thought patterns. They may be caused by the lies of demons or past negative experiences related to our family, churches, relationships, school, friends, etc.
Examples: There are many examples but a few include fear of what others think of us, comparing ourselves to others, people pleasing out of fear of rejection, hiding who we are out of fear that no one will love and accept us, worry over the what ifs of life, regret, health issues, relational issues, fear that we are not really saved (legalism-works mentality), fear that God does not hear or love us, abandonment, fear of being physically harmed, fear of the dark, phobias that interfere with our lives, failure-what if I try again and fail-so I might as well not even try, fear of the future (social media, news), etc.
Sin: This is the type of fear, worry and anxiety that is created by inner conflicts with going against God’s plan. The root cause of the feelings is conviction. Sometimes conviction will feel like anxiety. It is like an alarm that something is off, and we need to run to the Father to get it right again. If this is the root cause, as soon as we pray through repentance it should lift. John 16:8; Acts 2:37.
Example: We fall back into sin, or suddenly some of our actions start making us feel queasy inside.
Intercession: There are times that we may feel anxious when people are laid on our hearts to pray for them. It could be because we are discerning what they are feeling or because there is an urgency to pray. However, this lifts as soon as we pray what we need to pray for them. The feeling is (usually) not lingering. This does not mean that we start thinking about a situation, get anxious and then pray. This is completely different, and it comes out of nowhere. It is sudden and usually feels very urgent. Romans 8:26.
Medical Issues: There are medical and mental conditions that can cause anxiety.
Examples: There are many examples, but a few include low vitamin levels, thyroid disease, hormones, etc.
Life/Circumstances: There are times that we walk through situations that try to steal our peace. We can also fall into worry, anxiety and fear based on some of our own choices.
Example: When faced with choices we can fall into worry and fear. What if we make the wrong choice or something goes wrong? Or what if we lose our job? Or we get a hefty diagnosis from the doctor? Or we watch the news and see everything going on in the world?
Enemy: The enemy can attack from within (demonization) and also from the outside (warfare). If we have at any time had open doors to our lives we could be dealing with a situation where the demon has taken up residence. When that is the case the legal rights need to be removed and the demon made to leave (deliverance). If it is an outward fight we can come against the enemy with our weapons of spiritual warfare and make the attacks stop.
Examples: Warfare- The enemy is whispering things to you to make you worry and feel afraid. Or you may even see things in your home or feel things that cause fear.
Demonization-They have legal rights to your life that need removed and then them expelled.
I believe many times the demon of fear is the initial one that comes in and then brings others with it.
The root cause can be from one or more of the areas I listed. It is so important to not get so focused on one area that we forget, neglect to look at, or consider all of them. For example, there could be a medical, demonic, and stronghold issue going on. If we only focus on the medical, it will not resolve fully.
Practical Ways to Break Fear, Worry, and Anxiety:
Specific Tips for the Following:
Self: Let go of being a people pleaser and work on pleasing Jesus only. His opinion really is the only one that matters.
Stop comparing yourself to others and remember our worth comes from God and no one else. We are each unique to Him and we all have different callings and talents. One is not more important than the other.
Stop letting others dictate your worth. No one should have a louder voice in our heads than God.
Stop trying to be what others say you should be and ask God who you are and what you should be doing with your life. He is our Creator and He is the only one who can say who we are created to be and what our true identity is. Psalm 139: 13-16.
Sin: Run to the Father, repent, and get things right with God. Once you do this do not let the enemy keep you living in the past through guilt or condemnation. Once you are forgiven, walk in the freedom of that forgiveness and let the Lord change your heart, mind, and thoughts. Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9.
Intercession: Pray in the Spirit if you do not know who you are supposed to be praying for and ask God to show you who or what it is He is directing you to pray for. If you cannot figure out who it is, just start praying for those closest to you. When you hit on who it is, you should be able to feel it. Pray in the Spirit over them, pray scripture over them, and also go into spiritual warfare against the enemy. Once it releases, lay them at the feet of Jesus and move on.
Make sure it is intercession and not worry about the person. When you pray the feelings should life and you should feel breakthrough. Ephesians 6: 18.
Medical Issues: Some test can show if you are off on vitamin levels or if you are suffering from other anxiety causing issues.
Life/Circumstances: Get out of the what ifs. Do not even go there. Look to the future with hope and not the past with regret. Do not fall into the habit of speaking negative words over your life. Speak from a place of hope, life, and joy.
Enemy: Bind, rebuke and take authority over him every single time. When you hear those negative thoughts in your head tear them down immediately. Do not let them linger for a moment. If you cannot make them stop you may need to consider that deliverance may be needed. Luke 10:19; Matthew 18: 18-20.
Tips to Use Against all Fear, Worry, Anxiety (no matter the root cause)
Surrender to the Lord/ Submit our Minds, Will, Emotions to God: He has to be first and we must surrender to Him to get fully free and to become more like Him. We must break patterns and habits and God will always help us do that if we humble ourselves and ask Him. Trust and lean on God’s ability and not your own. We must walk in total submission to God and ask Him to make us more like Him. We must walk in the Spirit, live the way He says to live (Bible), and submit our lives to Him. Romans 12: 1-2.
As we walk with Him our mind, will, and emotions will be more like His. Our minds are renewed and lined up with Him. We are no longer a slave to sin, and our minds are being renewed and restored and our emotions are healed.
Bible: Replace lies (fear, worry, anxiety) with the truth found in the scripture. At the end I am going to give you a ton of scripture. Write them down, say them out loud, use them to pray, meditate on them, daily. Focus on truth and reality. Use the Bible to find out what God says about you and your situation. Who are you to Him? Who is He to you? What does He say about you? Jesus fought the devil with the Word. We must do the same. Memorize scripture to use. Renew your mind in the Word.
Negative Thoughts: Stop dwelling on the negative things in life. Replace the negative thinking with positive every single time. When you think about everything that can go wrong, switch it up and start thinking about everything that can go right. Live in the moment, not the past or the future what ifs. Plan for the future of course, but do not get stuck in worry over it. Take all of the thought’s captive. Do not let them grow and go unchecked. Your mind is yours and you get to control what is going on in there. Replace every single lie with the truth. Where do you find the truth? The Word of God. That is the only truth we can base our lives on. It is unchanging and unfailing.
Hope: Let hope be your lifeline to the Lord. Protect it at all cost. Put on the helmet of salvation which is out hope in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6: 10-18.
Support: Reach out for support from strong Christians who will tell you truth and not throw you a pity party.
Worry Versus Concern: We must learn the difference. Worry produces fear and concern produces prayer.
Feelings: Do not ignore or suppress the negative feelings. Everything I am suggesting is the opposite. When they come deal with them head on, every single time. Do not push them to the side, instead use the tools you are learning to really address them. Take the negative feelings to the feet of Jesus. Ask Him to show you the root cause. Once He shows you the root cause ask Him to remove the root and replace it with His total healing. It takes time, but if you will really do this every single time you will see a drastic change in how you feel and think. We must allow Him to uproot all of the pain and fear that has been created by past events.
Healthy Lifestyle: We should be engaging in things that help support our bodies such as eating the right foods, exercise, vitamins, positive people, less stress, get enough sleep, etc.
Stop Feeding It: Turn off the news, get off social media, and/or stop hanging out with some folks. Do whatever you have to do but stop feeding it. Find something to occupy your time besides being stuck in your head 24/7. Find a way to give to others and help others. There really is something to focusing on the needs of others that helps us not to focus on our own situations.
God is on the Throne: Rest in the fact of knowing God is still on the throne and nothing takes Him by surprise. Meditate on this truth and get it deep in your heart. Romans 8: 28; Proverbs 19: 21.
Attacks: No weapon formed against you shall prosper. The Word of God never said there will not be attacks or weapons formed, but it does say they will not prosper. We have the ability, through Jesus, to thwart every single attack. Isaiah 54: 17.
Negative Influences: This includes people, places, things and any other area that is ungodly and creates negative mindsets. For example, social media, news, and specific places and people.
Cast down imaginations/Arguments: We must pull down every single imagination and thought that does not line up with the Word of God.
Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,
Imaginations: This would include thinking about things that may happen and also thinking about the past and how you wished they would have happened.
Arguments: These are things that are wrong ideas that go against the Word of God and we often accept them as true.
We cannot dwell on the imaginations or arguments instead we must recognize them and cast them down with the truth.
Binding and Rebuking: This is so powerful! When the anxiety and worry first enter your mind verbally bind and rebuke them in the name of Jesus. If we do not take the worry and anxiety captive, they will take us captive.
Diligence/Hard Work/Consistency: We have to put in effort to change old mindsets, it is not easy, it takes time and work and consistency. We must be diligent and confront them every single time.
Fasting: This will crucify the flesh and bring thoughts captive.
Focus on the Positive: We must look for the good things in life. Do not always focus on the negative. Put effort into thinking good things. Think about things that are real, truthful, and honest.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
Apply this scripture to every single thought that goes through your head. If they do not line up, throw them out.
We must stop giving the enemy permission to be in our minds/thoughts. We must love truth and pull down every lie.
A few scriptures that address fear, worry, anxiety (You can find many more in the Bible):
Romans 8:38-39For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 12:29 So as for you, do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink; nor have an anxious and unsettled mind.
Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”
Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with an anxious and panic-stricken heart, “Be strong, fear not!
Indeed, your God will come with vengeance [for the ungodly]; The retribution of God will come,
But He will save you.”
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.”
Matthew 6:34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Romans 8:31-39 What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written and forever remains written,
“For Your sake we are put to death all day long; We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 94:19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can [mere] man do to me?
Luke 12:22-26 Jesus said to His disciples, “For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; or about your body, as to what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the crop]; they have no storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life’s span? So if you are not even able to do a very little thing [such as that], why are you worried about the rest?
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).
Luke 10:19 Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.
Psalm 91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!” For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall. You will not be afraid of the terror of night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you. You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes and witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High]. Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will command His angels in regard to you, To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They will lift you up in their hands, So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone.You will tread upon the lion and cobra; The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never]. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 “With a long life I will satisfy him And I will let him see My salvation.”
Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.
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