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Antidotes to Fear, Worry, and Anxiety

INTRODUCTION

There’s pain, suffering, and death all around us because of the pandemic. But now it’s getting too close and personal. Some of our loved ones and close friends, and even some of us, have been infected by the virus and are now in the hospital fighting for their/our lives. Some have died already. We can’t help but feel fear, worry, and anxiety creeping into our hearts. So, we ask ourselves, “What if it happens to us, to me, to my loved ones and friends?”

THREE ANTIDOTES TO FEAR, WORRY, AND ANXIETY

  1. Focus on the *eternal*, not the *external*. (Matthew 6:19-21) – We’re often afraid, worried, and anxious because we are more concerned about the external things rather than the eternal realities. We often want to please people or ourselves rather than God. Consequently, we’re afraid, worried, and anxious that these external things will disappear or be taken away from us.
  2. Base your life on the *truth*, not on *falsehood*. (Matthew 6:22-23) – We base our life on worldly philosophies or belief systems. We assume these things are true when in fact they are lies from the enemy. Instead of being grounded in the word of truth that can strengthen us, we rely on hearsay or feelings that can only make us stumble.
  3. Depend only on *one master* (God), not *money* or *yourself*. (Matthew 6:24-34) – Instead of depending on one master (God) who can take care of all our needs, we depend on ourselves or what we can accumulate or hold on to so that we can feel secure. The result is fear, worry, and anxiety because the things of this world cannot give us what we truly need, which is the kingdom of God.

CONCLUSION

  1. “Fear, worry, and anxiety are *choices*, not irresistible *voices*.”
  2. These feelings tempt you to lose your focus on God so that you will rely more on yourself.
  3. This week, resist those voices and make the right choices toward trusting God more.

DISCUSSION

  1. Why is it difficult to overcome fear, worry, and anxiety?
  2. What have you learned today from Jesus that can help you overcome these feelings?
  3. How will you apply this in a specific situation in your life that causes you to fear, be worried, or anxious?

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