Seek First: Triumph over Afflicting Spirits (2 Tim 1:6-8)
Fear, depression, anxiety
• How do we deal with fear?
o We must treat it as a spirit, an intruder spirit. An unwelcome guest.
• We deal with is using the authority Christ has given us.
o Deal with is like you would an intruder in your home, who came to harm you or your family.
o Command it to get out. Use the power that is already in you!
• Here is a strategy.
1. Remember it’s not from God.
a. Don’t think this is normal and it’s just the way life is.
2. Trust the Spirit and Gift God did put in you.
a. Power, love, a sound mind
3. Remember why fear comes
a. It comes to prevent you from having the full life God intended.
4. Treat fear like an intruder
a. Don’t be nice, don’t be passive, don’t just hope it will go away
b. Be proactive
This same basic approach will work for anxiety and depression.
• In fact, sometimes anxiety and depression are the symptoms of a spirit of fear.
All of these issues fear, anxiety, depression, they all try to be our friend.
o They try to normalize themselves to us. They try to pretend like they are a source of comfort.
• But remember where they come from.
Move from Anxiety to Abundance by Rick Bergen
“How are you feeling today?” Over time I am surprised at how often (almost every day!) my answer is “Apprehensive”. Still . . . Jesus promises abundance in all of our circumstances.
My Morning: I developed the following morning routine:
1. I record how I am feeling when I wake up.
• I answer 5 questions with one word or very short answers: What I did yesterday, My biggest win from yesterday, What I am grateful for, What I need to do to move forward, and How I am feeling.
2. I spend quiet time being present with God.
• Centering Prayer – I sit quietly with God, not asking, not expecting, just Being with Him. I include a form of Immanuel Prayer during this time. (See Psalm 139:23-24)
3. I commit my worries, hopes, and dreams to Him.
4. I feed my spirit on His Word.
• I read the Bible through each year.
Seek First: Triumph over Afflicting Spirits
