Sent on January 20, 2016

Greetings,
 
I recently heard about a school councillor who made a comment about the number of children who were experiencing anxiety.  They explained how anxiety appears to be at a higher level than in the past.
 
That leads me to ask the question, “What is anxiety?” 

According to The Brain & Behaviour Research Foundation, anxiety is when we worry excessively about many things, from overarching concerns such as health, money or work to more routine concerns such as car repairs or school work.
 
Physical symptoms can range from general fatigue to difficulty swallowing. If a person experiences anxiety for 6 months or more it is generally referred to as Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  
 
Fear is often a companion of anxiety, and anxiety itself is the result of an exaggerated sense of fear.  Obviously there are things that we should be concerned about, but anxiety produces a fear that has no logical basis.
 
While there are natural causes for anxiety it is important to recognize that there are spiritual forces that would attempt to instill fear into our families. 
 
Since the scriptures tell us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind, we have the authority to cast out fear in the Name of Jesus.
 
Ps 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
 
You have been redeemed from fear, so declare over your home “fear, go in Jesus”. If we do not declare it we will not experience it. 
 
Also, perfect love casts out fear, so meditating on how God loves you will bring peace.

If we know someone who is dealing with anxiety then whatever we can do to show them they are loved will be a tremendous help.
 
God says: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you.” 
 
Rejoice today in knowing that His love has already released you from the darkness of anxiety to the kingdom of the Son of His Love…
 
Love to all,
 
P.B.
 
 
P.S. Here’s an encouraging personal story about fighting off fear by Laurette O’Conner, Children’s Ministry Supervisor at Faithworks Centre: http://faithisland.org/faith/dark-journey-to-fight-off-fear/

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