How Do I Overcome this Anxiety?

Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety

This question is by far our cancer warriors most frequently asked question! A cancer diagnosis is very troubling with the accompanying physical, financial and relational challenges. Valid concerns can morph into crippling worry. I learned during my own rough battle with Stage IV metastatic melanoma how difficult, yet possible it is to overcome anxiety. Psalm 46 was written for exceedingly hard times, so consider “Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety” from Psalm 46.

1) Spiritual Key – Cling to the Lord!

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

God is always there; always protecting; always caring; always strengthening; in EVERY situation. Let’s lean on Him with all of our being, and lean not on our own limited resources! (Click here to learn how to invite the Lord into your life as your Savior.)

2) Volitional Key – Refuse to spin!

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed, and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas… – Psalm 46:2

One of the reasons we continue to be anxious is we make excuses which we may not voice. “This is an extra bad situation, which requires my worry.” Or, “If I keep trying to figure this out, I’ll eventually free myself from this situation.” Yet Jesus points out the fallacy that worry accomplishes anything, saying it “cannot add a single hour to your life” (Matthew 6:27). The Psalmist choose not to fear in the midst of cataclysmic changes and we can too. Note he says “we” will not fear. He intended to include me, you and all the Lord’s followers, as God always provides the power to follow His liberating ways!

3) Emotional Key – Drink from His life!

There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. – Psalm 46:4-5

Dehydration is a huge problem for our physical health, but it is also a huge problem for our emotional health. The Bible is full of analogies about being satisfied and strengthened by drinking from the Holy Spirit’s “water” which the Lord gives freely! (John 4:13) Drink up!

4) Mental Key – Set your mind on The Problem Solver, not the problem!

Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth. He makes wars to cease throughout the earth. – Psalm 46:8-9

It can’t be stressed enough to practice an intentional focus on God Himself, as well as His incredible works. These verses say He brings about “sea change” among the nations and nature, how much easier for Him to change our lives by His unconditional love for us!

5) Physical Key – Practice relaxing your entire body.

Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10

Stop chasing, pacing, rocking, searching, and scrambling. Turn off your devices regularly, and close your eyes. Take several deep, slow breaths through your nose, letting the air all the way out. Focus on stilling each muscle from the top of your head to your toes. Let the inner peace which He provides wash over your physical body.

Let’s relax in His arms in all of these ways, day by day, moment by moment, and His stillness will reign in our lives!

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*This post is part of our series, “Frequently Asked Questions About God and Cancer!” If you subscribe to our email newsletter, we’ll send a new FAQ on a regular basis. These FAQs will live here on our blog and on our FAQ page. Feel free to give feedback or ask new questions in the comments below!