Introduction
Just this week, a Ghanaian movie star, celebrating his birthday, took to social media to lament about his woes in business and life. He described his situation as being depressed and anxious about the uncertainties of life.
Many people find themselves wallowing in anxiety and depression because they are unable to meet their targets or obtain the things they desire in life.
The Bible provides a direct antidote to this emotional turmoil. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV):
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
4 ways to beat anxiety and depression:
1. Trust in God
The first step to permanently overcoming anxiety and depression is to surrender your life to God. This means trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior, not just during moments of anxiety and depression but settling it before these feelings even arise. When David and his men returned from a trip to find their territory ransacked by the Amalekites, his men were anxious and depressed, even threatening to stone him. But David, who knew the Lord, encouraged himself in God and found a lasting solution to their predicament. Without a relationship with God, it is very difficult to permanently overcome depression and anxiety.
2. Don’t Be Anxious
The next important spiritual action to overcome depression, according to Paul, is to obey the call not to be anxious about anything. Depression sets in when we allow anxiety to fester in our desires. For instance, if you are expecting financial support but haven’t received it yet, you might become anxious and depressed as the payment deadline approaches. Instead, we must maintain our faith and trust in God during difficult moments. Anxiety and depression cannot thrive in a state of trust in God. This is the second step to overcoming anxiety and depression.
3. Pray to God
The third important area the Apostle recommends is to pray and lay all our burdens on the Lord. When you pray, you demonstrate your confidence in the Lord to handle life’s issues. There is nothing He cannot do, no mountain He cannot move. Trust in God through prayer is a powerful weapon to defeat the enemies of anxiety and depression. This mindset assures you that if something doesn’t happen today, it can certainly happen another time. Though it tarries, it will surely come to pass. You don’t fret when you present your case to God and rest in Him.
4. Enjoy God’s Peace
Lastly, receive and enjoy the surpassing peace of God. If you truly trust in God, avoid anxiety, and always pray, you will swim in God’s peace. The Bible says God gives perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast on Him. Jesus said He left His peace for us, not as the world gives. The peace of the world is about the absence of problems, but God’s peace is present even in chaos. God is with us when the going gets tough and when all is well. When we trust Him, we enjoy peace and calmness of mind. This is the final step to beating anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
These are the four ways to defeat anxiety and depression in your life: establish a relationship with God, avoid anxiety, pray to God, and enjoy His peace. May God bring you to a place of peace regarding any issues in your life.
What have you learned from this write-up? Share with us.
Eric Otchere writes daily biblical content to help believers grow in grace. Connect with him via info@livingourbible.com.
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