Hi, I’m a Christian guy and am so happy that I know God, I also have a huge network of Christian friends. However, there are two things I struggle with in life, and that is anxiety and lust. I often worry about trivial things. I also want to get rid of all thoughts and actions to do with lust. I realise that the more Christian meetings and Bible groups I go to, the less I have anxious or impure thoughts.
Hi,
I’m so glad that you have a big network of Christian friends and that you are encouraged by going to Christian meetings and Bible groups. This is a great strength for you, so make the most of this resource.
Firstly, a word about your worries:
It’s quite normal to worry about things, but if the worries take a lot of your energy they will limit you from leading a full life. Our thoughts can often become over-focused on things, or confuse things, which in turn leads to chaotic thoughts. It may well be a good idea to talk to someone about what you are thinking about, and your worries. You can ask an adult who you trust, someone in your church, a school nurse, or your parents. Such thoughts often lose their power when they are shared with someone else, and when we are able to sort them out and find out what they are really telling us. Writing down your worries may also help; it will be easier to find other things to think about when you see your worries written down.
You can also ask yourself the following questions for every worry: ‘Is it probable? Is it helpful?’ If the answer to one of these questions is ‘No’, then the next question you should ask is: ‘What else can I think about?’ And then you try to find something else to think about for every worrying thought. Since our thoughts create feelings, and these in turn create new thoughts, we can often be caught in a negative, downward spiral. If you find, and keep hold of new thoughts, then they will create new feelings. Words create, so keep repeating the new thoughts to yourself until they create new, positive feelings. If you switch your attention to something else then the focus of your anxiety will disappear. For example you can find activities to do, do things with friends, and so on.
God tells us in the Bible to cast our burdens on Him. He cares for us and wants us to trust Him with our struggles (1 Peter 5:7). In Matthew 11:28–30 He tells us not to worry, to come to Him with whatever burdens you. God will help you and comfort you in your anxiety. Pour out your heart to God, talk to Him, tell Him everything you’re thinking about. You can do this alone or with someone you trust, who can pray with and for you.
God wants you to surrender yourself to His care and to rest in Him. Bible verses can create rest and peace in your life – write them down, read them, memorise them, and ask God to fill you with His peace.
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ Philippians 4:6–7.
Here are some other useful verses: Joshua 1:9, Luke 12:22, Matthew 6:25–34, Matthew 10:29–31
Secondly, a word about lustful thoughts:
Sensual feelings and an interest in sex and the human body usually awaken during puberty. It’s totally normal to think about these things, and to be curious about your own body, nakedness and sex. Our sexuality is created by God and these feelings show that our body is becoming sexually mature, in preparation for adulthood and finding a partner with whom to start a family.
The fact that your hormones are working overtime at this point might lead you to think a lot about sexuality, and it can also lead to fantasising about sex, which will not be good for you. These thoughts can be hard (but not impossible) to control. You can actually use the same method as with your worries: find alternative things to think about; be aware of when the thoughts appear; stop them and think about something else. You can even have some good routine thoughts ready to use, so you don’t need to spend a lot of time trying to think of alternative thoughts.
It is also a good idea to be very conscious of what you spend your time doing, in terms of activities, films, internet and so on. Whatever you do, read, watch, and otherwise fill your mind with, will influence your thoughts.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Battle for Purity
Best wishes