Stop the Cycles of Fear and Anxiety

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with
love and compassion,
who satisfies your
desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:2–5

Praise increases our faith and also prepares our hearts for God to work on our behalf. In some ways, it is actually addictive . . . and it’s meant to be. As we faithfully praise God, a beautiful cycle of worship develops in our lives. A great example of this cycle is found in Psalm 103. David reflects on and praises God for all the wonderful ways He has worked in David’s life. The more David praises, the more the Holy Spirit unleashes feelings of gratitude in David. And as those feelings of gratitude well up in him, he praises God even more. What David models for us in Psalm 103 is the cycle of ceaseless praise. Anxiety can also be cyclical in our lives. You begin to worry. From the one worry, you begin to consider all the “what ifs”. Before you know it, you’re in a full-blown panic attack. If you continue to focus on the potential scenarios, this practice will form the pattern of your thinking. You need to break the cycle by redirecting your thoughts. Your thoughts need to be re-focused on Jesus. This will take intentionality. The moment worry enters, turn it over to God and start praising Him.

As you launch your thinking into the cycle of praise, you will actually feel the difference.

Echo David’s words, “Praise the Lord, my soul” (Ps. 103:1). Think of all the ways God has blessed you: He’s forgiven your sins. He’s loved you eternally. He’s provided for your needs. He’s able to heal your diseases. His love never ends. He’s never left you nor abandoned you (Heb. 13:5).

As you launch your thinking into the cycle of praise, you will actually feel the difference. You’ll notice a shift happening in your brain. Fear will turn to courage, doubt to faith, and anxiety to calm. You will find your heart more aligned with God’s, and your desires will be satisfied because they will be God’s desires for you.

The best part is that as you praise Him, it will awaken a greater desire in your soul for more of Him. Gradually, as you continue, a new habit will form. Rather than being addicted to worry, you’ll be “addicted” to praising God. And that, my friend, is a win!