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Fight Anxiety: Step 5

By Pastor Mike Novotny

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In a world that often feels overwhelming, anxiety can grip our hearts and minds. Many of us find ourselves battling worry and fear, feeling as though we’re fighting an uphill battle alone. However, the path to peace and healing often lies in a simple yet profound practice: doing life together in community. Let us explore how the power of Christian community can help us fight anxiety and find solace in God’s promises.

The Power of Community

One of the greatest blessings of belonging to a church family is the opportunity to engage with others who understand and support us. There is something uniquely powerful about sharing our burdens with fellow believers. As we come together, we fulfill the biblical mandate to “confess your sins to one another,” “pray for one another,” and “bear one another’s burdens.” These “one another” passages found throughout the Bible remind us that we were never meant to walk alone.

A Kind Word in Times of Need

Anxiety has a heavy way of weighing down our hearts, as the book of Proverbs 12:25 tells us. Yet, in the same breath, we’re reminded that “a kind word cheers it up.” When anxiety grips us, it can be difficult to speak kindly to ourselves. That’s where our community steps in. A simple group text or a friendly call from a church friend can bring the encouragement we desperately need. They can remind us of biblical truths, encourage us to breathe and pray, and affirm the kingdom of God in our lives.

Practical Steps to Relief

When anxiety clouds your mind, reaching out to a trusted group can make all the difference. Personally, whenever I find myself spiritually stuck, I reach for my phone and send a message to a group of about ten friends. Almost inevitably, someone responds with prayer or encouragement. This practice not only uplifts my spirit but also reminds me that I am not alone. By sharing our struggles, we invite others to join us in prayer, asking our heavenly Father to intervene in our fears and worries.

Being There for Each Other

Community is not just about receiving support; it’s also about giving it. Our church group leader truly exemplifies this. She stands ready to welcome newcomers with a warm smile, easing their anxieties and fears about attending church for the first time. Her presence is a testament to the love and acceptance that Jesus extends to all of us. In being there for one another, we not only combat our own anxiety but also become vessels of God’s peace for others.

Doing Life Together

As we journey through life, anxiety may try to weigh us down, but we have a powerful ally in community. By doing life together with other believers, we find encouragement, strength, and love. We are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His promises. So, may you breathe deeply, pray earnestly, seek God’s kingdom, and engage in the transformative experience of living in community with God’s people.

May God bless you as you walk this path together, finding comfort and strength in Him and in each other.

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About the Author

Pastor Mike Novotny

Pastor Mike Novotny has served God’s people in full-time ministry since 2007 in Madison and currently at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin. He also serves as the lead speaker for Time of Grace, where he shares the good news about Jesus through television, radio, print, and online platforms. Mike loves seeing people grasp the depth of God’s amazing grace and unstoppable mercy. His wife continues to love him (despite plenty of reasons not to), and his two daughters open his eyes to the love of God for every Christian. When not talking about Jesus or dating his wife/girls, Mike loves playing soccer, running, and reading.“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

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