4 Simple Ways to Find Hope and Joy While Battling Anxiety

I have been open with you all about my battle with Anxiety.   Anxiety has been a living breathing part of my life since I was a young child as it is for many of us and I am determined to live openly with it.  I am also determined to hold onto Hope and Joy as I battle through it.  
 
I go years without so much as a glimpse of this unwelcome friend. Then suddenly it returns with such force that it could become debilitating. This summer has been the worst in years and it has only just begun.
 
In January I shared with you how I use Philippians 4:8 to help me keep my Peace of Mind. That was not just something I wrote about. I literally cling to those weapons to fight this battle.  And the Lord keeps putting them in front of me… even unexpectedly in a new study, I’m taking at our Church (I AM Potential).  
 
Throughout that series, I heard from many of you who face the same battle. Speaking out about this important issue creates safe space.
Safe space for others to live openly with their struggle and find support.
 
Just a disclaimer:  I am not a counsellor (Though I have seen several) or a Dr. Sometimes Anxiety and depression can be managed without either, but often they can not.  Never be afraid to get help.  There is NO shame in that.  Healing is important and you should use every resource available to get to a healthy mental place!

To Battle Anxiety I read scripture

I have spent a lot of time this month pouring scripture into my brain as I fight.   Can I  share these verses with you to help with your journey to Overcome Anxiety as well?
[click_to_tweet tweet=”There are 40 verses to Help with Anxiety as we seek to find Hope and Joy while battling Anxiety. @HopeJoyInChrist” quote=”There are 40 verses to Help with Anxiety as we seek to find Hope and Joy while battling Anxiety.”]
 

To Battle Anxiety, I Pray

After I find verses, I pray that scripture back to God -claiming His promises

 The prayers look different in each situation, but they start in the same place.  I choose to Respond to the Anxiety rather than react to it.  
When I react, I lose the battle.  
To respond I need a plan.
 I learned this acronym for Respond through The Battle Plan for Prayer -an AMAZING Bible Study done by the Kendrick Brothers.  

Another Tip that helps me Overcome Anxiety is to put the verses where I can see them often.

I keep the verses on my phone to remind me how to Respond rather than react!
On Monday’s I have this Acronym on my phone to remind me of God’s truths!
Respond to Anxiety instead of reacting - this will change the outcome

It also helps me find hope and joy while battling Anxiety to turn off technology (Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/etc.)

Technology seems to add stress to my life distracting me from my priorities.  Often I need to spend time alone with God or with friends who are encouraging and uplifting.  A Fast from Social Media can be super helpful

(I have a few who fit that bill, but I haven’t always.  I spent years praying for good friends.  God is faithful and will do this for you as well!)

The last tip to help overcome Anxiety is to turn on Worship Music

If I am still battling at this point I turn off anything but God (this includes the radio and the TV) and pour in godly music.  Music calms me in ways nothing else can.  But Worship music calms me and takes me to the throne room where I can fall at His feet.  

I have a few playlists on YouTube that I love. You are welcome to them.
I hope that helps in your journey.  Do you do anything different?  Or is there a verse or song that helps you?  Share it in the comments and encourage someone today!  I know I will be encouraged by it!

PS.  Right now, my girls and I are working through this cool Bible Journaling Kit from Sara at TheHolyMess.com.  She put together the whole thing on the topic of Trusting in the Lord…  which fits into my battle right now.


Bible Journaling Kit for Beginners

Click here to see what drew me to it!

in HIM,

Tiffany

Sharing is Caring!

Tiffany Montgomery

Tiffany of Hope Joy in Christ inspires Christian Women to grow in faith, live out Biblical Marriage Principles and raise Godly Children.  Join the Wives Only Facebook Group here or keep up with her through Pinterest.

41 thoughts to “4 Simple Ways to Find Hope and Joy While Battling Anxiety”

  1. I think these tips for fighting anxiety are right on. Turning off the world and soaking in the scripture and worship music has power that’s beyond explanation. Phil 4:6 reminds us that anxiety dissipates as we persist in prayer, petition and with thanksgiving. I think a lot of us forget about that last part. We ask alot, focus on the problem a lot, but forget to praise God for what we already have. And as believers in Christ, we have MUCH to be thankful for that has nothing to do with our earthly situation. As we begin to praise and worship (with and without music) we’ll find the content of our prayers and the focus of our attention change. Bless you as your pursue the Lord!

    1. I love going outdoors. That is so helpful in getting back to center. Thanks for the comment Tara!

  2. I too struggle with anxiety, so this hit home for sure!! All of these tips are so good! Sometimes I have to literally stop what I am doing, take a deep breath, count to ten and sing to myself whatever worship song pops in my head to try and get calm. I also find myself calming as I quote scriptures. Thanks so much for being vulnerable and sharing your struggles. Well done!

    1. I feel like if we are open about this, we create awareness and it may just help someone heal… thanks for commenting Keisha!

  3. Thank you for writing this. Anxiety is something I’ve been dealing with for some time now. Using these verses when the going gets tough will be helpful.

    1. I’m so glad to offer anything I find! Praying for you on this journey Sola!

  4. Very smart strategy Tiffany, and great links too. I am so glad that you have found that Christ holds all the answers and that He is the source of peace. Good for you! I’ll pray for you too.

  5. Going for walks and experiencing the beauty of nature has a calming effect on me. Everyday stress can really take a toll.

    1. Me, too, Helene. I get so stressed from reviewing the novels I receive, worrying about my adult children (one of whom I speak with every day), encouraging my husband to use social media, fretting about my 20 pound weight gain, those walks with my two rescue dogs in the gorgeous suburbs, give me just the lift I need. I can relate!!

  6. Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂 . I’ve suffered from periods of anxiety throughout my life and haven’t quite mastered easy ways to battle out of it yet!

    1. it def takes time to find what works for you. I’ll be praying for you on your journey Cassie

  7. I fight anxiety too from time to time. When it washes over me, it’s such a horrible feeling. I love all of the verses above. I also find that going for long walks .. calling a friend .. or having lunch at the park with my husband will help too.

    1. Walking is such a good stress relief. Love that idea! Thanks Ali

    1. I’ve heard a lot of good things about acupuncture. So sweet of you to share with your mom! Thanks for the comment Krystel

  8. I think we all have anxiety attacks ever now and then, so it’s good to keep in mind these helpful tips you shared!

    1. That’s great! I know I’d be lost without my hubby too. Thanks Stephanie!

  9. I like to read or cook. If times get really tough I clean and say the Hail Mary prayer.

    1. Reading is good. I’d never thought to cook. What a great outlet! Thanks Wendy

  10. You have anxiety it is good to be surrounded by friends and family that you trust you most. They would understand and their support is important.

    1. that is so true Blair. There are many in our society who just don’t get it and think there should be a “Fix it” button. It is so important to be surrounded by a supportive community.

  11. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wrote a powerful book back in the late 1960’s that is still available used on Amazon.com. It’s The Power of Positive Thinking. I have taken many of the verses he gives in the book and put them on some fancy little cards that I shuffle through to remind me of God’s promises. Reading your post I am immediately called to Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.” That and Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God”.
    May God’s blessings and peace dwell within you.

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