An Anxiety-Fighting Bible Study for this Week

Deliberate praise is an act of faith and a remedy for anxiety at the same time. It shifts our focus from the object of our worries (such as sickness, job stress, financial troubles, or a fight last night with our spouse) to the One who is sovereign over all things. Your worries lure you away from God, while praise directs your heart and mind back to the Lord. So, with that in mind, let me encourage you to spend time in Psalm 103 this week.

In Psalm 103, David gives us an example of how to speak to our own souls (see v. 1) and “forget not all [the Lord’s] benefits” (v. 2). He models the way that doctrinally rich, God-centered songs speak truth to our souls by reminding us of God’s love. As we consciously praise God, we shift our mind’s eye from anxious cares to divine blessings that we must always remember and never forget.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Ps. 103:2

Slowly read through this psalm, listing in a notebook or journal, every benefit that come to you only from the Lord. Then pray through your list, giving thanks for each one.

[Adapted from the 31-day devotional, ANXIETY: Knowing God's Peace.]

*Originally posted at Counseling One Another