Deny Anxiety - Take up your Cross and follow Jesus

Take a minute to reflect, consider how are you defining yourself. Be it in a jovial manner or serious manner one can exude insecurities, regrets, self-hatred, doubt and fear. This type of negative discourse fosters anxiety as well as doubt in Christ.

Jesus stated, "If anybody wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." (16:24 Matthew) This scripture also emphasises that you should deny your false identity and toxic, negative thoughts about yourself and follow Christ.

Every day Proactively take up your cross and follow Christ

As followers of Christ you need to replace toxic thoughts about yourself and of others, with thoughts of Christ's compassion, grace, and mercy.

Galatians 5:16-18- This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) - 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.

Toxic Negative Speaking cause anxiety which distract us from our purpose in life

There is so much wrong going on in our minds, there could be some confusion too. The truth is right in front of you, you are men and women of the most high God. You are destined for success if you chose to walk steadily with Christ, all you need is God, the creator of the universe. He is our ultimate provider, protector and healer.

Sarah's Testimony

As the only breadwinner of her house, Sarah feared losing her job and which she felt also gave her identity and purpose. Fear was destroying her confidence, it caused anxiety, she used to pray in fear more than declaring faith. Sarah's mind used to be clouded by widespread concerns and anxiety so much so that she was unable to see that she was actually executing God-given work. She was unable to appreciate and thank God for everything that He provided because she was too preoccupied with stress, worry and anxiety. After months of fervent prayer, Bible study, and total immersion in Christ, Sarah discovered that God was the one who gave her the job that she has to support her family. She observed that God had placed her on this earthly path so that she could completely rely on Him for a divine purpose. She also realized she needed to be driven by faith rather than fear. Her trust and faith in Christ grew stronger as she immersed herself in God's Word. Sarah now lives and walks in the Spirit rather than in fear, she has a "abundant" and "kingdom" mindset, and she lives a much more confident and peaceful life because she knows who her God is. Sarah experiences God's glory daily as she maintains her relationship and journey with Him.

Transform your thinking

Similar to Sarah, when you continuously read your Bible, pray, praise God, speak the Word of God, meditate on the Word constantly and talk to God, you will begin to transform your thinking, and you will recognise that God is the source of your very breath. You will become conscious of our true self-worth.

Fear and worry can only be alleviated through ultimate faith in God, and faith comes from Bible reading or hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If your thoughts are not of a sound mind then it is not of God

God has give us Power. Ignite that power within you through prayer and meditating on the word of God.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

Pray for yourself

As Christians, we should not criticize and injure ourselves or others with negative speech as it leads to bad thoughts. We should not engage in toxic, negative humor, since doing so induces anxiety which is bad for your health. When we speak we are planting seeds in our very own minds and minds of others.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

The Bible tells us to be anxious about nothing, because it is a choice, we can choose to pray instead of worry, and God will answer.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for us”.

After all, Christ was brutally beaten, he died and rose up again to gain victory for us, surely He cares for you and He can handle your problems.

Avoid looking back at previous suffering, as it hinders growth and a blessed life

Love yourself enough to forgive those who hurt you, but you should not tolerate abuse, from yourself or from others. Be deliberate in your efforts to love yourself, others, and God.

Impatience causes anxiety - Trust God's timing

2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Instead of prioritizing your anxieties, you should prioritize God

Choose freedom through Christ! Renew your thoughts and adopt a Kingdom mindset. Let the Holy Spirit lead you, because Christ is your self-worth. Discover your identity in Christ.

Start thinking and praying about every aspect of our life rationally and in faith. Understand that our God is a God of Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness. Place your hope in Christ and live your best life through Him.

Look after your spiritual life. Life is meant to be a victorious adventure, live the rest of your life in peace.

Daily Confessions:

I am God's Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

I love God, I love my neighbor, I love myself, and I am called according to divine His purpose

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God bless you

From Natlie LOOTS