Nerve medicine. That’s what some old-timers used to call anti-anxiety medication. It came in a little bottle and contained a lot of alcohol. They took it when they were upset (or so they said!). Kids rarely saw them actually drink it, but when things went wrong and tensions mounted, they often heard them say, “Let’s get the nerve medicine!”
The idea of nerve medicine may be funny today, but modern medicine has its own versions—Xanax, Lexapro, Ativan, Cymbalta, Valium or any number of other prescription anti-anxiety medications. If you are currently taking one of these medications or are considering taking one, then let this be a wake-up call to stir your faith.
Understand, this is not a message of condemnation, but one of encouragement. If you’re taking a prescription, continue to follow your doctor’s instructions until God tells you otherwise. But here’s what we want you to know: If you are a born-again believer, you have access to a nerve-calming, health-producing power that doesn’t come in a bottle. Proverbs 3:1-2, 8, (The Amplified Bible) promises “tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death]” when you obey the Lord’s commandments.
You can have peace in your mind and body. You don’t have to endure panic attacks, feelings of depression or sadness, mental and physical exhaustion or worrisome thoughts. You can have peace, regardless of what is going on around you. Consider these steps for implementing God’s peace in your life.
1. Understand That Anxietyi Is Under the Curse
A peaceful mind is God’s will for every one of His children (Isaiah 53:4-5, 2 Timothy 1:7). Anxiety, depression and fear are part of the curse. And guess what? Jesus died to free you from the curse. Your freedom has already been purchased, but it’s up to you to receive it.
2. Pray for God to Show You the Root of Your Anxiety
There can be many roots for your anxiety—physical, emotional or spiritual. It may be because of internal issues like unforgiveness or fear, or it may be the result of external issues like a divorce or job loss. Ask the Lord to reveal the root of your anxiety or direct you to someone who can help you identify that root cause (Matthew 21:22).
3. Confess Your Healing From Anxiety
Once you know the root of your anxiety, make a list of scriptures that deal with your issue (Romans 10:17). Take these scriptures (repeating them multiple times each day) just like you would a prescription. Here are a few scriptures to review: Isaiah 40:29; Psalms 103:4-5, 55:22, 94:19, 139:23-24; Philippians 4:6-7.
4. Seek Wise Counsel for Your Anxiety
As you pray for direction, ask God to show you if you need to seek outside help. If your faith is ready to stand against the symptoms of anxiety, then by all means do that. If however, the Holy Spirit leads you to seek out a pastor, counselor, doctor, nutritionist, mentor or good friend, then be obedient to His leading. Don’t let guilt about seeking outside help keep you from obeying the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:21-22). God often uses others to get us from Point A to Point B.
5. Put Action to Your Healing from Anxiety
“Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (James 2:17). Begin acting on your healing, even if the symptoms are still present.
- Obey whatever the Holy Spirit directs you to do—change jobs, sever relationships, move, etc. Obedience is key (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Begin taking care of your body through proper exercise, diet and supplements.
- Get out of doors and experience God’s wondrous work in nature.
- Volunteer at your church, a soup kitchen, a hotline or some other outreach. As you give your time and energy to others, God will bless your efforts and adjust your focus (Luke 6:38).
- Keep a prayer journal. In it note your prayer requests, answered prayers and the blessings God gives. As you become more aware of His blessings around you, you’ll become more grateful in your life.
Jesus paid the price for your complete deliverance—even deliverance from anxiety and anti-anxiety medication. As you put your faith in the Word of God, you’ll begin to enjoy the peaceful life, regardless of what circumstance may come.
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