BGEA: How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time?

How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time?

Let us impress upon you the fact that God cares about you and about what you are going through. He says, "You are precious to me . . . and I love you" (Isaiah 43:4). The very reason Jesus Christ came to earth was to offer Himself in sacrifice for our sin so that we might be reconciled to God and experience His kindness and mercy as His dearly loved children. It is His desire that you be completely set free from fears, torment, and oppression so that you might experience His abundant life (John 10:10). The Lord considers you to be very special, as it states in Zechariah 2:8: "Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye." Therefore, you can be assured of His desire to bring comfort to your troubled heart. See also 2 Corinthians 1:4, 7:6.

There are practical steps you can take as you seek freedom from your fears. In the book "Happiness Is a Choice" by Frank Minirth, M.D. and Paul D. Meier, M.D., a number of suggestions are listed as helps to decrease anxiety:

• Determine to obey God. God commands us not to be anxious (Philippians 4:5).

• Pray. God promised Daniel He would answer and Daniel was not to fear (Philippians 4:6, Daniel 10:12).

• Meditate on positive thoughts: “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” (Philippians 4:8). See also Psalm 34:4, 86:15; Isaiah 40:28-31; Proverbs 1:33; John 14:27.

• Divert attention from self to others (Philippians 4:10, 2:3-4). As an individual gets his mind off his own problems by helping others, his anxiety also decreases.

• Set a time limit on your worries. Probably ninety-eight percent of the things we are anxious about or worry about never happen. Learning to live one day at a time is an art that can be cultivated.

In his book, "Walking Through the Darkness," Neil Anderson suggests the following prayer for those troubled by fear:

"Dear Heavenly Father, You are the fortress, shield and strength of my life. I refuse to be intimidated by any fear object. I choose to sanctify Christ as the Lord of my life. You are the only omnipotent, omnipresent God. You have not given me a spirit of fear. By Your presence in my life I have power, love and a sound mind. Your power enables me to live a responsible life. Your presence in my life has made me a partaker of Your divine nature so I can love others as You love them. You are my sanctuary, and I ask You to protect my family ... Amen."

If your anxieties continue or increase, we suggest that you see a competent Christian counselor for additional help. For referral to Christian counselors in your area you might contact Focus on the Family, telephone (800) 232-6459.

16 Comments

Lisa says 2.27.2012, 09:05 a.m.

I try to be in constant prayer every day. This has helped me to overcome my anxiety and daily worries. I pray to God to keep me on the right path in the direction He wants me to go and to help me make the right decisions.

Dawn says 12.27.2011, 2:26 p.m.

God does heal us and he does often use modern medicine to do so. I have suffered from panic attacks for nine years now. I know how it feels. However, the fear significantly decreases when I am on antidepressants. If you haven't tried that then do!

Barbara says 10.5.2011, 7:22 p.m.

God led me to this I believe because I prayed to Him to let me get over these anxieties and fears. I only go out to grocery shop or to my Dr appointments. I have several chronic health problems but I think this fear is worse than any of them. Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandy says 8.8.2011, 9:58 p.m.

I don't think anyone realizes what I am feeling. Pain is part of my problem and I am blessed with a good husband and children. I don't understand why I am feeling this way. I pray for God's help. But, I feel I could just go to sleep most of the time. I avoid doing so many things..others think I am fine because I stay busy...inside I am so tired and so anxious when I have to go out. It's hard to be social on Sundays at church. I've spoken to my doctor...most just want to give you a pill...since surgery it's been worse. Thank you for this message....I know God hears my prayers ..it's me who must not be listening. I was at The Cove just for a tour...not an overnight...it's beautiful. Thank you all.

Brad says 8.8.2011, 10:54 a.m.

Thank you Dr, Graham. I really needed to read this today and felt God speaking to me through this. Praise you God my father for all the vessels you place before us always when we seem to need them most. God Bless

Rhonda says 8.8.2011, 10:33 a.m.

Thank You!! I really needed to see this today!

Kathy says 8.8.2011, 09:54 a.m.

This is so true. I used to have very bad anxiety and panic attacks everyday. God and my church family were the only ones that I could turn to. I have been free of all of this junk for years now. I stayed in His word everyday,and prayed everyday using His word. This is very good sound advice. Psalm 91 was and still is my favorite. May God Bless all of you who are going through anxiety and fear may you find the peace that God intends for you to have.

Cindy says 8.8.2011, 09:53 a.m.

Thanks so much...this is an answer to prayer...I have been suffering with anxiety attacks since losing two family members recently. Not by my strength...but by His. This is what has gotten me through the last 4 months while I helped care for my sister and father-in-law---both who were in Hospice. Praying God would heal me from all anxiety.

Joann says 8.8.2011, 09:35 a.m.

Thank you, May the Lord bless you for giving the light to many in fear and anxiety.. Be blessed..

Philip says 8.8.2011, 09:34 a.m.

Thanks. Honestly, I am the opposite - "How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to NOT stay home all the time?" ... I hope there will be an article for this.

Beng says 8.8.2011, 09:32 a.m.

I thank you God for using this person to share this message, I know its not a coincidence that I read this message, now I'm in a situation that fear is eating me out because of my problems... I choose to praise you God.

NANCY says 8.8.2011, 09:25 a.m.

I HAVE SUFFERED FROM ANXIETY AND PANIC SINCE I WAS A CHILD. I AM NOW 59 AND SELDOM GO OUT OF THE HOUSE. I TRIED THERAPY BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. I LOVE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST AND PRAY TO HIM EVERYDAY TO TAKE THESE FEARS FROM ME. THIS WAS A LOVELY PRAYER. WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE LIKE THIS ON FB.

Lin says 1.21.2011, 10:40 a.m.

Thank you. The last couple of weekends, could not even get dressed or to church, when I needed my church family the most. I get to work each day, as I know my family needs it to survive, monetarily and for health insurance as husband and daughter have chronic disease. Copying prayers into calendar to pray each day.

pj says 1.21.2011, 09:31 a.m.

As I walk through the valley of depression, I will continue to go to you even tho I feel not your presence. As a child of yours I will use this tool you've brought to me at the right time everyday. No one wants to feel this way or be sick like this....no one!!! If I'm not to be healed then show me what to do and where to go....30 yrs is too long but I love you Father:)

Brian says 10.20.2010, 00:40 a.m.

Thanks for posting this on fb it has been a inspiration to me and at the same time an answer from God....he reallly does listen...I Love my Heavenly Father he loves me unconditionally. God Bless you and your organization.

Charlotte says 10.19.2010, 5:08 p.m.

Thank you Dr. Graham, I saw this on my fb and I really needed to see this. God used this to speak to me. I do give praise to the Father,Son, Holy Spirit for holding me through all this. od bless, Charlotte