Emotions can turn inexplicably. On other occasions, you may know exactly why you are feeling the way you do. There are a variety of causes for feeling anxiety or fear beyond circumstances, including physical illness, diet, genetics, trauma, guilt, hormones, inactivity, and the weather (1). It is important to address these feelings in an appropriate way. Whether you need medical advice, therapy, spiritual support, or all of the above, this book is aimed to become one more tool to aid you in the difficult times you might be going through.
The concept of neuroplasticity, meaning the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience (2), shows us the reality that we are designed to learn and to change no matter how young or old we are. This concept is presented in the Bible as the renewing of our minds (3). And it is not just possible to reorganize or create new thinking patterns, it is the way to test and approve the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. How amazing is that?!
You and I have been given the gift of free will. The will is the power that governs our nature, the power of decision, or choice. Every human being who possesses reason has the power to choose the right. In every experience of life, God’s word to us is, choose for yourselves today the one you will serve. (4)
Your part and mine are to put our will on the side of Christ. When we yield our will to Him, He immediately works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. If we cannot control our impulses, and our emotions, as we may desire, we can control our will, and as a consequence, an entire change will be shaped in our life. When you yield up your will to Christ, your life is hidden with Christ in God. It is allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers. You have a strength from God that holds you fast to His strength; and a new life, even the life of faith, is possible to you, (5) is possible to me.
The Settle Your Heart Workbook includes devotionals, prompts for journaling, guided prayers, and coloring pages. As you read the devotionals, pray the life affirmations from Scripture, respond to the prompts, and enjoy bringing to life the coloring pages with your favorite tones, the Word of God is doing the work of cleansing, healing, and regeneration that you and I need.
So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. Isaiah 55:11 (BSB)
You might be thinking, what? coloring pages for adults? According to the Mayo Clinic, coloring is a healthy way to relieve stress. It calms the brain and helps your body relax. This can improve sleep and fatigue while decreasing body aches, heart rate, respiration, and feelings of depression and anxiety. Although coloring isn’t the ultimate cure for stress and anxiety, sitting down for a long coloring session holds great value. As you color, pay attention to your breathing rhythm, ensuring steady, full breaths from your diaphragm, and tune into your heart rate periodically if you can. (6)
Another resource for dealing with anxious and fearful thoughts and the feelings that accompany them is found in the biblical accounts of spiritual giants who experienced periods of deep discouragement, yet who were not abandoned by God: individuals such as Elijah, David, and Paul. Even Jesus was not free from such feelings (7). Hopelessness, despair, or gloom “may shake the most heroic faith and weaken the most steadfast will. But God understands, and He still pities and loves.” (8)
Support from family and friends can also be invaluable. Often, it’s the prayers of people who care for you that break the spell of darkness. If you have that trustworthy godly person in your life and you open your mind to them, that person might be able to instruct, soothe, and encourage you. And even if you do not have a trustworthy person in your life, remember that you have a caring Brother in Jesus who can, and does sympathize with you, and has felt like you.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (BSB)
There are also benefits in outdoor activities, gardening, enjoying nature, and simply praising God. Go “right along, singing and making melody to God in your hearts, even when depressed by a sense of weight and sadness.” “Light will come, joy will be ours, and the mists and clouds will be rolled back.” (9)
We are designed and able to change our thinking patterns. Certainly, this is not an exhaustive review of how to deal with Anxiety and Fear, but I hope is a good overview of resources that could help you along the way. Settle Your Heart Workbook, Anxiety and Fear Edition could be another resource you can use.
So, start today and enjoy the journey to a more contented, joy-filled, and surrendered life resting in God’s hands.
- Depression the way out. Nedley, Neil.
- Definition by Oxford Languages. Oxford university Press
- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (BSB)
- Joshua 24:15 and Education p. 289
- Temperance p.113
- Mayo Clinic Health System: “Coloring is good for your health.” Joel Bobby, L.I.C.S.W. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/benefits-coloring-adults
- Mathew 26:38; John 12:27
- Prophets and Kings pp. 173, 174
- Selected Messages Book 2, pp. 242, 243