Keeping It Young

As we conclude the series on Overcoming Anxiety, Dave and Bethlie finish with steps four and five.
 
4. Focus on immediate problems - that is concrete reality
What is the problem/my problem?
What does God want me to do about it? The answer to this is found in the BIBLE
If no answer is found in the Bible, the answer is found in Wisdom Ask God for it
Ask Counsel of Godly elders


When should I begin doing something about it?
Where should I begin to do something about it? Get training
Change my outlook
Read books that help address the issue

How should I begin to solve the problem/my problem?

5. Plan for future accomplishment
Set goals  Financial ones
Physical ones Walking is a wonderful exercise that is a gift from God
Work is a gift from God too

Emotional ones Learn to laugh A merry heart does good like a medicine

Embrace gratitude In everything give thanks

Practice prayer I sought the Lord and He heard me



Pray over today and tomorrow
Trust God for all of it
Matthew 25 
Servant worried and did nothing
Servant became lazy and did nothing
Servant lost Financially
Emotionally
Spiritually
Eternally

Dave and Bethlie continue their Overcoming Series with part 3 of overcoming anxiety. Do you know someone who struggles with anxiety? Be a blessing to them and send them this series. Reach out and let us know how it has been a blessing in your life and others around you.
Decide it is wrong (based on the teaching of Jesus) It is wrong because the past is over and gone Healing is available for everything we face
Forgiveness is essential for our wrongs

It is wrong because the future is not here yet 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

It is wrong because only God knows the future
It is wrong because it damages today      Today is a gift from God
We should handle our emotions wisely so we can fully live for Him today


Know the difference between worry and planning Planning is preparing for the future while simultaneously leaving it all in God's hands and trusting God's goodness.
Worry does not plan. Anxiety assumes the worst
Anxiety presumes to know outcomes
Anxiety gives into our feelings rather than make an attempt to overcome them.
Anxiety accepts our feelings as the norm of our life.


Redirect your concerns Emotions are not wrong They are right when they are used properly according to the commands and principles of God's Word Move into Psalms
They show us that emotions are real
They show us that life is hard
They also show us that truth trumps it all

Emotional concern is the God-given ability to mobilize the forces of our bodies and minds to focus upon a problem and solve it.
Anxious concern is when we focus on our problems and hang onto them. Literally all the energy is released but has it has nowhere to go  This energy can even eat away at the lining of the stomach
This energy leaves us feeling hopeless and helpless
This energy often leads us into other issues Depression
Social withdrawal 
Loss of sexual desire

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?

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