Reducing Anxiety
By Wily Elder
Anxiety is generally a problem that continues to increase as we age unless we change our approach to the life we are living. However, in this day and age, even the young are faced with the problem of needing to reduce anxiety. Unfortunately, many are taking anti-anxiety medication when a change in behavior and thought patterns could easily provide a drug-free freedom from anxiety.
The Gospel of the Kingdom, which Christ brought, contains the promise of leadership roles for those who overcome (Luke 19:17 and Revelation 2:26). However, contained within the message, there is also the transcendent message of the acquisition of peace of mind. That benefit is for the here and now. If we have peace of mind now we will be more likely to receive the fulfillment of the promises that the Father fully intends for his sons and daughters to benefit from. Just as parents would like their children not to be burdened by worry, our Father would like for us to live our lives relatively free from worry and anxiety.
Christ said we should take no thought about what we should eat, what we should drink, what we should wear (Matthew 6:31). The King James word "thought" is from the Greek word "merimnao", which is better rendered as "anxious thought" within the context. In other words, we should not be anxious.
We should seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (verse 33).
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34).
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). This peace comes through the Holy Spirit, the comforter (verse 26), extinguishing anxiety and storing our lessons (what we have been taught) in our memory banks.
To a great extent, anxiety increases by buying into this world's consciousness. This world's consciousness is increasingly devoid of standards for human behavior. Moral relativism and Godless humanism is growing like a cancer. Liberal ministers around the world teach that God's law is abolished. But God's way is the way of give. The Holy Spirit is given by God to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). The first 4 commandments show us how to love God. The last 6 show us how to love each other.
How can you have peace of mind? Is there an answer to how you can have great peace?
Yes.
"Great peace have they which love your law; and nothing shall offend them" (Psalms 119:165).
If you love the law of God you will automatically have great peace.
Why?
It's because, if you love the law of God (the Ten Commandments), you will strive to obey God by living up to the God-standard. The Eternal honors effort. When you obey the first 4 commandments, you begin to be in harmony with the Creator and His Son. When you obey the last 6 commandments, you begin to be in harmony with your fellow human on this planet. When you are in harmony with the Eternal and with other humans, anxiety will melt away.
Question: What if I am not able to obey the Ten Commandments perfectly?
Answer: No one is able to obey the Ten Commandments perfectly one hundred percent of the time every day and each passing moment. The Eternal knows our weaknesses and he allows for the fact that we must grow over time just as a child must slowly learn how to function while growing up. Learning to be obedient to God is the process of overcoming.
What are we to be overcoming?
Sin.
What is sin?
Sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).
Wbat law?
The Ten Commandments.
Question: As we begin to obey the Ten Commandments, thereby overcoming sin, is there a substantial reward for that?
Yes.
When Christ returns to this planet, He will be giving positions of power to people who overcome.
"And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations" (Revelation 2:26).
There are also rewards here and now.
"When a man's ways please the Eternal, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7).
For people who have accepted the sacrifice of the Son of God and altered their behavior, there is a benefit.
"Peace, I leave with you..." (John 14:27).
Christ will not leave us without comfort.
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (John 14:18).
How can Christ come to us?
It is through the comforter, the Holy Spirit which is the power and presence of Christ's Father, the Eternal.
If we repent of our sins (our transgressions of the Ten Commandments), become converted (changed), get baptized and receive the laying on of hands (hands placed on the head when praying), we may then receive the Holy Spirit into our very being, thereby starting the process of divine transformation (Acts 2:38, Acts 19:4-6).
The Holy Spirit is also called the Comforter.
The Comforter can be with you as you leard about God's ways and then in you after baptism and the laying on of hands.
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees it not, neither knows it: but you know it, for it dwells with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16-17).
The peace that Christ gives us through the Holy Spirit is not a peace that simply keeps the mind quiet, but a peace that changes the direction of the thought patterns to the avenues of thought that will generate a continuation of peace of mind.
"But the comforter, [which is] the Holy Spirit...shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, what ever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the comforter, the paracletos, the power of God. The Greek word "paracletos" means "called to one's side". It suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid. The Spirit of God provides help as a comforter. God's Holy Spirit is the presence of God (Psalms 51:11 and Psalms 139:7), which has the function of giving us a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in me" (John 14:1).
"Fear not, little flock. It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
"Be careful {anxious} for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
"Come unto me all [you] that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
-- wilyelder .
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