Use of anti anxiety meds have doubled in the past 5 years.
Stress related illness accounts for 300 billion dollars in medical cost and lost productivity.
Anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness affecting 40 million people.
Only 36% people seek treatment for this highly treatable disorder.
So you see, you think you are alone in this struggle but you aren't!
This is a lie of the devil.
In recent society, many people are taking their lives by suicide.
Some are well known and seem to "have it all".
Young and old alike seem to feel hopeless and deem suicide as the answer.
Paul is writing this scripture in prison.
It's telling a story about 2 ladies in church who are having a conflict.
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. - Philippians 4:2-3
How should a a Christian handle anxiety?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. - Philippians 4:4
Have joy in the Lord, this can only come from the Lord.
Happiness based on things or people can be lost.
Joy of the Lord is based on the promise of God who never lies.
Be gentle.
Let your reasonableness(gentleness) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; - Philippians 4:5
Strength under control.
God will help you be gentle.
His return is near.
Do not worry.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6
Worry will steal everything from you, your rest, your happiness, your hope, your health.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. - Matthew 6:33-34
Pray with thanksgiving.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6
Rest in the peace of God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7
God is faithful.
The peace of God will blow your mind.
There is peace in the midst of chaos.
The peace of God will guard your life.
Control your thoughts.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8
for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you. - Proverbs 23:7
When you are in distress your mind will run wild.
You will think the worst.
Live out what you Know to do.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:9
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. - James 4:17
We have to reach those who sit in darkness.
Mental illness is not just a mind thing.
There is a physical side to it.
Headaches, chest pain, stomach problems, bone deep misery just to name a few.
Suicide is not a selfish act.
It is self hate.
Sadness is not the issue, it's never ending exhaustion.
It's not because we don't stay in the word.
No matter how much you pray or study, you feel it's hopeless.
Spirit filled people struggle.
You can't choose joy if you are tortured.
Those thoughts of death make you feel relieved.
We fight to suppress them but to no avail.
We think God has abandoned us.
Get counseling, take meds, pray and fight.
You can live happy in the midst of depression.
Be present in the lives of those who suffer making sure they know how important they are to you.
Hold them, love them, share the love of Christ, be with them!
Know that God is in control!
List His mercies toward you!
Worry and guilt will kill you!
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! - Psalm 40:2-4
Thank you Pastor Kevin!!!
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