Throw All Your Anxiety on Jehovah ?????

[Bible Speaks]

Throw All Your Anxiety on Jehovah

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Our loving heavenly Father came to the aid of his servants in the past, and today he makes it possible for us to gain considerable relief from distress or anxiety. The Bible urges us: “Throw all your anxiety [“cares; worries,” ftn.] on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) How, though, can you do that? Let us consider four ways that you can do so—by means of heartfelt prayer, by reading GodÂ’s Word and meditating on it, by tapping into JehovahÂ’s holy spirit, and by sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant. As we examine these four ways, see if you can identify practical steps that you want to take.

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“THROW YOUR BURDEN ON JEHOVAH”

1?? A first step we can take is to approach Jehovah in earnest prayer. When you are confronted by situations that cause uneasiness, apprehension, or anxiety, pour out your heart to your loving heavenly Father. The psalmist David begged Jehovah: “Listen to my prayer, O God.” Then in the same psalm, he said: “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you.” (Ps. 55:1, 22) After you have done all you can to solve a problem, heartfelt prayer will certainly accomplish more than worry. But how can prayer help you to avoid becoming overwhelmed by disquieting thoughts and anguish?—Ps. 94:18, 19, ftn.

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INNER PEACE FROM GODÂ’S WORD

 2?? A second way to gain inner peace is by reading Bible texts and meditating on them. Why is this important? The Bible contains practical spiritual guidance that can help you to avoid, reduce, or deal with anxiety. Do not overlook the fact that God’s Word is helpful and refreshing because it contains the Creator’s own words of wisdom. As you reflect on God’s thoughts—day or night—and consider how best to use the Bible’s practical guidance, you will be greatly strengthened. Jehovah specifically linked reading his Word with being “courageous and strong” and not being “struck with terror or fear.”—Josh. 1:7-9.

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HEARTFELT COMMUNICATION

4?? A fourth way to help you cope with anxiety is good communication, sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant. A marriage mate, a close friend, or a congregation elder may be able to help you to put your anxiety into perspective. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Prov. 12:25) Frank and honest communication can do much to help you to understand and deal with your concerns. The Bible tells us: “Plans fail when there is no consultation, but there is accomplishment through many advisers.”—Prov. 15:22.

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GODLY QUALITIES PRODUCED BY GODÂ’S SPIRIT

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Jesus promised that our Father in heaven will not fail to give holy spirit to those asking Him. (Luke 11:10-13) This puts at your disposal a third, powerful means to alleviate anxiety—the fruitage of the spirit. These positive qualities that are produced by God’s active force reflect the very personality of the almighty God. (Read Galatians 5:22, 23; Col. 3:10) As you cultivate the fruitage of that spirit, your relationship with others will improve. Thus, you will find that many situations that could otherwise cause anxiety do not arise. Reflect briefly on how the fruitage of the spirit will help you.

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Some Practical Ways to Reduce Anxiety ?

?Set appropriate priorities.

PHILIPPIANS 1:10, 11

?Have realistic expectations.

ECCLESIASTES 7:16

?Make room in your schedule for some quiet time each day.

MATTHEW 14:23

?Enjoy JehovahÂ’s creation.

PSALM 104:24, 25

?Keep a sense of humor.

PROVERBS 17:22

?Get regular exercise.

1 TIMOTHY 4:8

?Get sufficient sleep.

ECCLESIASTES 4:6

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016922?q=1+peter+5%3A7&p=par