Anxiety…even the ancient writers recognized the link between mental & physical health. For in Proverbs 15:13 says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” That’s because when we are chronically fearful, worried, & stressed, our bodies react with symptoms such as difficultly concentrating, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, stomach & G.I. problems, headaches, insomnia, & panic attacks. Unfortunately, for many of us, (myself included) anxiety has been part of our lives for years…and having someone come up, pat our hand, and say, “Just don’t worry honey!” doesn’t help much . That’s because the Ministry of Encouragement needs concrete substance using the Word of God to effectively care one for another. Words like, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) Or Jesus’ discourse on worrying in Matthew 6:25-34 where He shows that our uncertainty & distrust reveals faltering faith in God’s ability to take care of our physical needs. Both Scriptures illustrate how anxiety is incompatible with trust in God…and in both, the antidote is the same…prayer & supplication. The practice of prayer provides an outlet for our built up anxiety…our focus shifting off ourselves to the One Who’s in control & can change things. And in the end, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Safetypinlove 