Sep
28
2009
Action Steps For Anxiety
Given the trying times all of us are having to endure in one way or another, I found Susan Fiske’s excellent article in the Fall 2009 edition of byFaith (the official magazine of the PCA) entitled Be Anxious for Nothing–Now? especially relevant–and deeply helpful.
In it she writes, “It is in prying open our hands from our abilities, accomplishments, and possessions that we can discover the true promise of God: Himself. [Paul] Tripp says, ‘The hardest thing to hold onto, but the most beautiful when we get it, is that what God promises to us in times of suffering is not first relief of the suffering. His promise is to give us Himself.’”
She then, very helpfully, outlines Paul Tripp’s six action steps for anxiety (these are golden):
Remind Yourself That God Is In Control: When you convince yourself that your world is out of control, you are on the verge of paralysis. Watch your self-talk. Are you saying to yourself: “God is in control of this circumstance, He is my Father, and He is ruling this for my benefit”?
Accept Confusion: Believing in God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean life will make sense. Believing in God’s sovereignty is needed because life doesn’t make sense. Your rest is not in figuring out your circumstances–your rest is in the God behind the circumstances.
Don’t Allow Emotions To Rule: As much as the emotions you experience will be right, good, and appropriate, don’t let them set the agenda. There is a temptation to do that, but allowing yourself to be pulled away by the emotions of the moment could cause you to regret your decisions later.
Distinguish Needs From Wants: Be very careful what you put in your catalog of “need.” The minute you tell yourself something is a need, you’re saying it is essential for life. Then you are going to determine that you can’t live without it. It’s easy to attach yourself and your sense of security to the gift rather than to the Giver.
Know Your Job Description: God promises to provide. Your job is to live the way God has called you to live. Instead of giving way to discouragement, look for ways you can contribute to God’s people at the moment.
Run To God, Not Away From Him: God’s promise to us is not first the relief of the suffering–His promise is to give us Himself. He will never turn a deaf ear to the natural cries of a person of faith when life doesn’t make sense. God hears and answers and works and comforts.
27 Comments
Thank you again, for the reminder…we are to run to HIM not away…Pastor you and your dear family are surrounded by prayer….please know so many support you and are walking the ” new road ” with you.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9
When one’s anxiety is a spiritual issue (ie lack of faith, disbelieving God, greediness, trying to play God, etc.), I would agree. But there is another kind of anxiety that is chemical/physical in nature and often needs to be treated with counseling and medication.
Thanks Tullian for this post. I’ve started following your blog only recently, but I am being very much blessed which is why I have been checking your blog every so often in a single day.
Anyway, coming to the anxiety thing, it is indeed such a challenge. Sometimes I think, the real challenge for a christian is not so much not knowing what God says about a particular thing as in translating and pushing down that head knowledge into a real faith and trust in the heart.
But some of the steps we can take as outlined in your post are tremendously helpful in learning to truly translate the head knowledge of God’s promises into a whole-hearted faith and trust in Him.
Tullian: I attended 2 functions this week-end where we wore name tags with the name of our church on them. People I had never met from churches I had never heard of would come up and tell me that they have been praying for Coral Ridge.
I was moved beyond words.
Thank you for standing strong in your faith and not being discouraged during these months of turmoil.
Dear Tullian,
Thank you for this blog. I was so upset about my situation tonight and I decided to look at your
blog. It was comforting to see this info on aniexty. I know the Lord put this blog for me to see. Thank
you for your message this week. We are praying for you and your family. Stay strong!!
Tullian,
Can you tell us how these past months have been hard for you? What has been challenging for you? How has this been hard on your family? What has caused you to question God’s good plan and even more, His good character? I know its been hard. That goes without saying, but how?
“Always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Col. 4:12
[...] can read the whole thing here http://www.crpc.org/blog/?p=742 [...]
Pastor
I took a trip to S. FL this past weekend, it was wonderful, enjoyed the ocean and sand, but most enjoyable was the visit to CRPC.
The Sunday school was well taught and the worship was uplifting. Spoke to two deacons who were very helpful. One of the deacons spoke with me at length after the service and was very kind and helpful. I’m considering moving back to S. Fl. from Ocala. Since my parents have gone to be with the Lord. and I’m single it easy for me to move. I ‘ll be praying for you Pastor and the whole body of believers their at CRPC. You don’t realize what a wonderfull fellowship you have. BE BLESSED.
please tell Genna I wish her a belated happy birthday. My prayers will be with you all. I now can be more specific in prayer.
Paul
Wow! Do I need this. After recently getting out of the hospital with an ulcer brought on by stress I REALLY appreciate it!
Thanks so much!
[...] (HT: Tullian Tchividjian) [...]
[...] Actions steps for anxiety from Tullian Tchividjian. [...]
Thank you, Pastor. I struggle with the notion of God’s will vs. man’s will. We see so much done in the world (such as terrible, senseless violence) that reflects man’s free will to choose. It’s hard to reconcile; and we know our free will is part of God’s creation. Yet, you are surely right: we always turn back to God for the way through it and our choice of response.
PS and if I could only learn better not to respond until I’m in that properly “centered” place! What a lesson.
There is also an excellent interview with Ken Myers in the current issue of byFaith. Recommended read!
Encouragement from Daniel Webster:
“If we work upon marble, it will perish;
If we work upon brass, time will efface it;
If we rear temples, they will crumble into dust;
But, if we work upon immortal souls,
If we imbue them with principles,
With the just fear of God,
And the love of fellow man,
We engrave on those tablets
Something which will brighten all eternity.”
Pastor,
I meant to comment on the message on this past sunday. It was excellant, not good, excellant and very timely. I heard it in church and am listening to it on the internet. The apostle made it clear on how we need to grow and be in unity as believers. We only need to take the Word to heart and live by it.
Praying always,
Paul
Leaving our comfort zone does produce anxiety when we take our eyes off Jesus and forget the reality of His sovereignty over all.
But- Aslan is on the move!
“The Lord of the harvest is sending out workers into His harvest field because the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37-38
Nothing is more exciting than being used by God in the lives of others in the furthering of HIS kingdom!
Pastor Tullian, I have just come to know of the situation you have found yourself in. I am grateful for your willingness to witness to the whole of the North American expression of the Christian Church that the call a congregation extends, blessed by God, and accepted by a pastor is not a matter to simply throw aside when sadness (profound sadness at that), redressed as difference of opinion, policy and practice come to bear in a congregation.
The call extended to and accepted by a pastor is not a typical employee/employer relationship. There is far more at stake for the congregation and for the sake of the work of the faithful who went before us… and who come after us no matter what we wish we could do. For good, bad or otherwise… it is what we signed up for when we accepted the call to serve with these people in this time and place. It seems to me that you are giving witness to this understanding of the call… this despite the pain.
Some years ago the congregation I recently accepted a call to serve as a Lutheran Pastor experienced the death of their pastor. The ripple effect through the next twenty some years has been profound on the ministry we share today. I have found it difficult even these many years after the fact to know and understand how best to address the members who are hurting so publicly and spreading that hurt onto others, particularly when it is obvious that they deny the existance of the hurt. So I have taken to reminding, encouraging, even demanding that the membership embrace Christ FIRST. It is my conviction the ministry is not about me (nor should it be)… but what Christ calls us to be and do now.
This has been an ongoing and key message in every forum related to the congregation life that I attend and speak. I have found that only Christ can bring the kind of healing many need. But those for whom this sadness has become a way of life, the ones who remain stuck in their saddness and feeling left out of positions they once felt entitled to… these well meaning children of God have had profound difficulty embracing this message and me. I pray that the good news has the kind of support needed to sustain and grow the proclaimation, teaching and witness in your place of ministry and mine.
I am sorry for the spot you are in… Peace, Kevin
[...] question was brought to mind again when I saw this post from Tullian Tchividjian — pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which has undergone no small [...]
I am not a Christian, but I respect and admire you in your struggle to stand up for what you believe. Thank you for staying strong and true to your heart.
Hello Pastor Tullian.
I have never attended your church or even heard you speak, but I read an article in the news today about the difficulties your church has recently gone through. I loved Dr. Kennedy’s ministry via broadcasting, and am thankful for Dr. Graham’s testimony and the ministry of so many in your family.
I am brought to tears tonight reading the information about the division, but rejoicing that you are staying and ministering. I am a ministry school graduate myself and have given my life to Jesus, to see Him advance in me and in others. In reading your blogs, bio, and purpose of life tonight, I am both blessed and burdened to pray for you. I need strong examples like you in my young life. I especially like the way that you made the point that it is God’s church in which we labor, not ours. (You mentioned in your blog that you pray to follow in the legacy of your dear Grandmother Graham. Well, in my getting “acquainted” with you tonight, I thought of her resolute yet humble stand for Truth and her simple yet poignant expressions of faith. I see that prayer being answered.)
I pray you sense His peace, Brother. Many are touched by your obedience and willingness to be used by God. Though I am a complete stranger, He is glorified tonight as I learn of your life. I hope to visit your church someday. Your congregation is rich to have you. May God bless you, your family and CRPC abundantly with His glory.
In Christ,
Ben
[...] Tchividjian (via Susan Fiske) summarizes Paul Tripp’s six action steps for combating anxiety: Remind Yourself That God Is In Control: [...]
Cindy,
I MUST no the source of that quote. It is too fantastic not to share with homeschoolers everywhere. Please, can you verify it as Daniel Webster’s?
[...] Action Steps for Anxiety: Remind Yourself That God Is In Control: When you convince yourself that your world is out of control, you are on the verge of paralysis. Watch your self-talk. Are you saying to yourself: “God is in control of this circumstance, He is my Father, and He is ruling this for my benefit”? [...]
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
In my current English class, I must have a speech graded by an audience. I would like you to take the part of the audience, and grade it by A, B, C, and D after you read it. Note: Don’t grade based upon opinions, this isn’t debate club, it’s just some language arts stuff.