Finding FreedomSample

# Find Freedom from Anxiety – Part 1 More people may be dealing with anxiety today than in any previous generation. At least more of us are aware of it―in this age of technology-inspired globalisation, we are exposed to an endless flow of social media and news from around the world. The causes of anxiety are diverse, from a heightened awareness of actual and potential catastrophe to a stream of advertisements reminding us what others have and we don’t. Support organisation Beyond Blue reports that 26.3% of Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced an anxiety disorder. This is 4.96 million Australians. One in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-abuse problems according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. It is also more acceptable to talk about anxiety and seek help… that is a good thing! A healthy level of anxiety increases our sense of awareness and performance, but many of us struggle to keep anxiety to a constructive level. Three common causes of anxiety are traumatic experiences, catastrophic thinking and the example of others, including parents and friends. Well-meaning mums and dads constantly worrying – for example, about germs, getting fat or stranger danger – and talking about it all the time, can cause a child to grow up with anxiety around that issue. You need to know when you experience anxiety: * It is not a sin, but neither is it from God. * You are not a bad person . * Jesus did not come for perfect people―he came for people who do not have it all together. * If you are a Christian, you are not a lousy Christian for having feelings of anxiety. * God can give you wisdom and peace . Philippians shows us the Biblical pathway from anxiety to freedom. We will look at five steps along this pathway in Find Freedom from Anxiety – Part 2.