Keeping It Young

Part 2 of this Overcoming Anxiety series begins with answering the question, what is anxiety?
 
From Jesus' teaching
Matthew 6:31
Anxiety is concern over things future
It is concern over something you can do nothing about
It is concern over something we cannot ever be sure about
It is also concern over something that is in the past
From Banner Health
Someone with an anxiety disorder experiences more than just occasional worry. They often feel afraid, tense or uneasy about something with an uncertain outcome. 
"Symptoms of anxiety can make sleeping, focusing or completing everyday tasks difficult," Dr.  Brenner Freeman (MD, Psychiatrist) said. "Some people may notice racing thoughts that make it hard to concentrate, while others feel tension in their muscles, rapid heartbeat or stomach problems."
What anxiety might look like in:
Children: Trouble with transitions, clinginess or tantrums 
Teens: Avoiding school, withdrawing socially and excessive worry about fitting in
Adults: Irritability, difficulty concentrating or pulling back from work and relationships
Aside:  This seems to be rather normal for almost every child, teen, and adult.  Which leads to the question - What do we do about it as Christians?
Overcoming anxiety
Decide it is wrong (based on the teaching of Jesus) Healing is available for everything we face
Forgiveness is essential for our wrongs
Nothing can ever be done about the future
Only God knows about the future
Jesus is teaching that it is wrong to allow tomorrow's problems to tear you apart today
Today is a gift from God
We should handle our emotions wisely so we can fully live for Him today
It is wrong because the past is over and gone
It is wrong because the future is not here yet
It is wrong because only God knows the future
It is wrong because it damages today

Grab your Bible and turn to Matthew 6:25 and join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss Overcoming Anxiety. 
 
Understanding anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults (19.1%) annually, with roughly 31% of adults experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Females are more likely to be affected (23.4%) compared to males (14.3%)
 
Key Anxiety Statistics 
Prevalence: Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents (ages 13-18) will experience an anxiety disorder.
Adult Prevalence: Around 19.1% of U.S. adults aged 18+ have an anxiety disorder, with 22.8% of those cases classified as serious impairment.
Types:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Affects 6.8 million U.S. adults (2.7% prevalence).
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Affects 15 million adults, typically beginning at age 13.
Panic Disorder: Affects 6 million adults.
Gender Differences: Women are twice as likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men.
Treatment: Only 43.2% of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder receive treatment.
Impact: Approximately 70% of adults feel anxious about the state of the world, including economy, personal health, and new technologies. 
The effects of anxiety Ulcers
Loss of joy
Inability to cope
Failure to trust God (sometimes is a cause; other times is an effect)
Failure to overcome  Often rooted in the belief that this is just the way I am 
Or the believe that I can't overcome it


The greek word that is used "Merimnao"
To divide, part, rip, tear apart

 
Jesus taught about anxiety
it is often a part of our lives
it should not be a part of our lives
it should be put away
it should be overcome

Dave and Bethlie continue their series in identifying biblical steps for climbing out of the darkness that depression can bring. From confessing sin and getting right with God, to listing your responsibilities, avoiding pity parties, and anchoring yourself in the truth of Scripture, we know God's Word is powerful enough to help you overcome. Just as David continually brought himself back to the truth of who God is in the midst of his own pain, so can you. If God is real and His Word is true — and it is — you can overcome depression!
 
You can recognize a failing solution when the depression become cyclical Discouragement is normal to live
Depression occurs when I handle discouragements and failures in a wrong way
Stay focused on duties If discouragement separates us from our duties, it will always lead to depression
You MUST continue to perform your duties and meet your obligations

Around and around in depression
Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:8
Recognize the truth about what is happening
Understand the difference in discouragement and depression

Steps to take:
Confess sin
List responsibilities Pity parties
Gripe sessions
complaining
Your family
Your home
Your job
Avoid all the negatives

Get to work doing them

Some truths about depression:
Some things are necessary in overcoming depression: You have to know God personally and intimately
You have to desire to please God by doing what He says
You have to obey God regardless of how you feel

Some are more susceptible to depression It is especially a problem for those who are responsible to set and keep their own schedule
It is especially a problem for those who don't have a schedule
Those who have a schedule (from a boss or workplace) have less of an issue with depression Self-control is strengthened by their schedule
Self-discipline is set for them already


Some things naturally lead towards depression A setback Sickness
Disappointment
Failure
Guilt

A tendency to follow feelings rather than to pursue obligations 
A willingness to participate in pit-parties or to continually focus on self

Nothing but obedience to God and His Word can overcome depression Ignoring it won't work
Anti-depressants won't work
Substance abuse won't work

Is your marriage struggling? In Part 2 of this series Overcoming A Bad Marriage, Dave and Bethlie share biblical steps for overcoming a bad marriage and restoring what God intended for your relationship.
 
Learn to love again Define it Love and feelings are not the same thing
Love is about pleasing God
Love is being willing to give another whatever it is that they need because you know it is what God commands you to do.

Biblicize it Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Older women teach the younger women to love their husbands
Love your neighbor  Your spouse is your closest neighbor so you have to love them

Matthew 5:44. Love your enemy The lowest level of love



Determine to please God Get very close to Him James 4:8
The closer you are to God the healthier you will be
The closer you are to God the stronger you will be

Honor God in the decisions you make and your marriage will be amazing

Take steps to love Learn to give.  John 3:16
Gal 2:20
Proverbs 25:21

Learn to forgive Forgiveness promises not to use another's wrongdoings against them in the future
Forgiveness promises not to talk to other people about another's wrongdoings
Forgiveness promises not to dwell on the other's wrongdoings

Learn to meet each other's needs