The negative influence of anxiety is among one of the most prevailing and common strongholds in the lives of Christians across the globe. Within the population of the United States alone, 28% are affected by anxiety, with 60% of women being more likely to experience anxiety in their lifetime than men. Among this percentage, only 36% of those who experience anxiety receive any form of treatment (prayer, counseling and psychotherapy, freedom, and emotional healing ministry). Anxiety is an emotion that causes apprehension and tension within our hearts due to worry or fear over a potential danger or misfortune. This danger could be real or imagined. In moments of anxiety, our bodies respond to the presented threat with tense muscles, faster breathing, and rapid heartbeats. Anxiety can limit freedom and emotional healing, and it may arise from a variety of different factors such as:
Physical decline (lack of sleep, chemical imbalance, low or high blood sugar or pressure)
Background influences (family members who exhibited anxious tendencies during our developmental years)
Traumatic life events (current situations may resemble past painful situations)
Though fear and anxiety are used interchangeably, they differ in both how we think about them and how they affect our bodies. See the differing perspectives for fear and anxiety below:
Anxiety is future-focused and long-acting as it focuses on a potential threat.
Fear is present-focused and short-lived, focusing on a identified threat.
In my experience ministering to many people, I have seen the power of anxiety broken whe the lies fueling it are exposed and renounced. Common lies, false labels, and identity barriers that surround anxiety in our hearts are:
“I cannot overcome this anxiety; I will always suffer with this.”
“I feel like I am going to die. My life is over. I am doomed.”
“Other people not like me. They are angry with me.”
“If I cannot control ___, I am no longer safe.”
Freedom from the negative influence of anxiety comes when we choose to trust God with our cares and the feelings that arise when those cares seem to overwhelm us. God does not want us to carry the weight of our problems; instead, we should bring them to Him. His ability to provide emotional stability by removing feelings of anxiety reflects His perfect nature and His love for us. No stress, worry, or fear (real or imagined) is too big for our heavenly Father. When we surrender the negative influence of anxiety to Him, He promises to exchange it for peace, joy, and the strength to live a life that honors Him.
Questions to Ask:
During what times (under what circumstances) have you felt anxiety?
When is your first memory of feeling anxious?
In what ways have you sought to resolve your anxiety?
Do you have any external factors that may contribute to your anxiety?
Physical condition or sickness?
Emotional distress or relationships?
Medications or lifestyle habits?
When you become anxious, what are the primary thoughts that occur in your mind?
What are your core beliefs surrounding anxiety?
If you could be free from anxiety, what would your life look like?
How would your relationships with others look?
How would your relationship with God look?
Are there any lies you are believing about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by your feelings of anger or rage?
Connected Influences: nervousness, panic attacks, worry, stress, false responsibility, impatience, and anxiety attacks.
Scriptural Truth:
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”(Matthew 6:34)
“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. 7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:3-5,7)
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22)
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
How to Pray for Pray for Breakthrough from Anxiety:
You may pray aloud, using each step below:
REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"
RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."
"Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”
"Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"
REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”
Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).
RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"
What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)
You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.
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