The Best Way To Be Anxious Free

When feeling anxious, it is common to experience Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs), which can make your thoughts and emotions feel out of control. ANTs tend to be negative, inaccurate, and filled with fear and worry. It is important to counter these thoughts with the truth.

Managing your anxiety can be achieved by controlling your thoughts. Your thoughts act like a conductor, directing the orchestra of your emotions. Interestingly, one of the ways God transforms us is by guiding us toward changing our thoughts.

The Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2 KJV). The apostle Paul saw the benefit of this.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul advises the Philippians to refrain from feeling anxious, then shifts focus to their thoughts.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
(Philippians 4:8 KJV)

Here is a helpful exercise to manage anxiety and improve your focus. Take some time to reflect on the 8 characteristics mentioned in Philippians 4:8 and answer the questions related to them. This will assist you in controlling your thoughts.

What is true?

• This refers to whatever corresponds to reality. Jesus said that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), so identify passages from the Bible that speak to your situation and to God’s character. Fill your mind with His Word and meditate on it regularly until it becomes an automatic response.
• Ask yourself: What is true and accurate about my situation? What does God say I should do (or not do)? What promises or attributes of God speak to my situation?

“I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.” (Psalm 119:30 KJV).

What is honest?

• Also translated as “noble,” this refers to someone or something that is dignified or worthy of respect – the kind of character that leaders in the church should possess (see 1 Timothy 3:8,11; Titus 2:2). Being honorable relates to qualities of honesty, sincerity, integrity, faithfulness, self-control, and trustworthiness.
• Ask yourself:What is the respectful thing to do in my situation? Who do I trust, respect, and can talk to about my anxiety? What can I do that will honor the Lord?

“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15 KJV).

What is just?

• Also translated as “right,” this refers to what aligns with God’s character, law, or standards. Anxiety can cloud our thoughts and intensify our emotions, so we may be tempted to do whatever “feels right” to relieve anxiety. But what feelsright and what is right are often different.
• Ask yourself: What does God say is the right thing to do in my circumstance? What will happen if I do what is right – and what will happen if I do what is wrong or unwise? Who can help me do what’s right?

“And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers.” (Deuteronomy 6:18 KJV).

What is pure?

• This refers to whatever is holy or free from sin; whatever is uncorrupted and untainted by sin. God often uses trials and difficult circumstances to purify us and refine our character (see 1 Peter 1:6–7). Anxiety can lead us toGod (running to Him for help and strength) or away from God (seeking to control things, seeking relief through escapism, busyness, drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc.). Allow your fears and worries to drive you to God.
• Paul would have them sincere, that is, utterly transparent, and blameless in view of the day of Christ. To be without offense does not mean to be sinless. We all commit sins, but the blameless person is the one who confesses and forsakes the sin, asking forgiveness from those who were wronged and making restitution whenever possible.
• Ask yourself: Is my anxiety leading me to God –His presence, Word, and people? In what ways is my anxiety leading me away from God – tempting me to doubt God, control others, or sin?

“That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:10 KJV).

What is lovely?

• This refers to whatever is beautiful or attractive, whatever promotes love and peace. When you’re anxious, you may be tempted to believe that God doesn’t love you, or you may be tempted to act unloving toward others. An accurate understanding of love begins with God’s love, and the Bible is not short on descriptions of His love. God says that He has “loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). His Word is clear that nothing in all creation “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39 KJV).
• Ask yourself: In what ways has the Lord shown His love to me? What do I love about God? How can I show love to God, to others, and to myself?

“⁴ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ⁵ Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; ⁶ Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; ⁷ Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. ⁸ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8 KJV).

What is of good report?

• Also translated as “commendable,” “admirable,” or “good repute,” this refers to things that are well spoken of or have a good reputation. When we’re anxious, our thoughts often run through a filter of fear, doubt, skepticism, and worry. We tend to see things that are bad, negative, or destructive instead of seeing what is good, positive, constructive – or commendable.
• Ask yourself: Who can I speak well of or compliment? What aspects of my situation are good or commendable? Who has helped me (or is currently helping me) and deserves to be thanked?

“For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” (2 Corinthians 10:18 KJV).

What is virtue?

• The final two qualities listed in Philippians 4:8, “virtue and worthy of praise,” summarize the other qualities. Virtue refers to moral goodness or excellence. We tend not to associate anxiety with morality, but anxiety can lead to immoral behavior if we seek to relieve our worries and fears through ungodly means.
• Ask yourself: Are there any immoral thoughts or actions I need to confess and change? What morals, virtues, or godly characteristics do I need to work on with God’s help?

“⁵ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; ⁶ And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; ⁷ And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (2 Peter 1:5–7 KJV).

What is praiseworthy?

• Many things are worthy of praise – a job well done, good food, a helpful friend, our family members, co-workers, and most of all, the Lord. When you consider God’s work in creating you, sustaining you, saving you, and giving you a hope-filled future, praise is the appropriate response. We have much to praise God for. Praise often leads to joy, which is a positive emotion to battle the negative feelings of anxiety.
• Ask yourself: What am I thankful for in my situation? What things can I praise God for (relationships, spiritual and material blessings, knowledge, health, etc.)?

“¹I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. ⁴ I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:1, 4 KJV).

The Greatest Thought You Can Have

When seeking to control your anxious thoughts, remember that Jesus is the greatest thought you can have. That is why God says to “fix your thoughts on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1).

Jesus is undoubtedly a person of exceptional moral character, possessing qualities of truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, virtue, and praiseworthiness that are unparalleled in the world. The best part is that Jesus is not just a distant figure, but he is present for you, with you, and even within you.

During times of anxiety, turning to Jesus can provide comfort and lift your spirits toward a brighter future. Allow Him to guide your thoughts toward a positive outlook.

“² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
 (Colossians 3:2–4 KJV)

Is it possible for a Christian to be anxious for nothing?

Believing in the power of prayer can make anything possible. It is important to bring everything to the Lord in prayer, no matter how big or small it may seem. His loving care knows no limits.

Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. We come to the Lord at specific times and bring specific requests before Him. But it is also possible to live in an atmosphere of prayer. It is possible that the mood of our life should be a prayerful mood.

It is important to remember that we must communicate our needs to God with gratitude. One interpretation of these verses suggests that we should refrain from worrying, pray about everything, and express gratitude for everything.

When we adopt these positive attitudes in our lives, the peace of God that transcends all understanding will protect our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This peace is a feeling of sacred tranquility and contentment that envelops the soul of a believer who relies on God.

This is the best way to be anxious-free!