Anxiety: Finding Comfort and Reassurance from God

By Skip McDonald

Restlessness in our body. Constant negative thoughts. Inability to focus.
Most of us relate in some way to these feelings. Anxiety is that vague feeling that something isn't right, that something bad may happen. Worry becomes an all-consuming part of life.
In this eight-session LifeGuide® Bible Study, nurse and Bible study writer Skip McDonald looks at a variety of Old Testament and New Testament Scripture passages that cover experiences of general anxiety, worry, and panic.
For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IVP Bible Studies
• Release date: Apr 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9780830864447

Skip McDonald

Skip McDonald is a staff member with Nurses Christian Fellowship, a division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. She also works as a nurse, is involved in women's ministry and holds degrees in both nursing and theology.

Book preview

Couverture : Skip McDonald, ANXIETY (Finding Comfort and Reassurance from God)

ANXIETY

Finding Comfort and Reassurance from God

8 STUDIES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS

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SKIP MCDONALD

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Contents

Getting the Most Out of Anxiety

Leader’s Notes

About the Author

More Titles from InterVarsity Press

GETTING THE

MOST OUT OF

ANXIETY

Shallow breathing, or even a feeling that you can’t breathe. An inability to focus. Constant negative thoughts. Anxiety is that vague feeling that something isn’t right, that something bad may happen, and can easily become an all-consuming part of life. We have all felt worried at one time or another, but anxiety becomes especially problematic when it persists and even increases. At that point, a person may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

With a background as a mental health nurse, and having experienced my own anxiety, I felt compelled to write this guide. My hope is that we all can find and apply words of encouragement from Scripture to combat anxiety. My anxiety mostly centers on money and relationships. Way too many times, I’ve felt anxious about trying to make others feel better, sometimes to my detriment. At other times I have wrestled when injustice flourishes, and even experienced those unwarranted anxious feelings that God will not come through in times of emergencies.

Usually, when I am having these moments of anxiety, I quiet myself. I need to be alone so I can clear my head and refocus. I pray. I seek counsel regarding my troubles. I’ve learned the value of seeking resolution versus sitting in anxiety for too long. Sitting too long deepens my pain and confusion, but I still try to allow myself ample time to process the situation. I am thankful for wise counsel from others and for wisdom from Scripture. As I reach out to the Lord, the Holy Spirit, he is faithful to meet me right in the midst of where I am, providing just what I need.

This guide examines a variety of Old Testament and New Testament Scripture passages that help us respond to experiences of general anxiety, worry, and fear. Most of us will relate in some way to these feelings.

When we suffer with anxiety, we may wonder, Am I overly anxious due to a lack of faith? This kind of thinking can lead to a negative cycle of self-doubt and trying to please or appease God. It may be more helpful in these moments to focus on the things that draw us close to God and grow our intimacy with Christ.

Causes for anxiety and anxiety disorders aren’t always clearly defined, and in some