Stop, Think, Act: Practical Steps to Interrupt Anxious Thoughts

Anxiety gives rise to actions that lock us into harmful cycles of beliefs and behavior. Past experiences leverage a profound impact, depositing effects that linger and shape present anxious thoughts, feelings, and interactions.

The way we engage with the world around us emerges from the activity of the world within. In attempts to shelter ourselves from the danger of what isn’t known, we worry. As a result, we toil with thoughts that give false comfort as well as false control.

Though we cannot control future outcomes, worry makes us feel like we’re doing something. Whatever that may be, it doesn’t, however, offer true peace. Though it conveys a sense of being in control, the labor of worry works against us. It frustrates us, frittering our strength and energy in futility. It wears us out such that our resolve soon follows, threatening to sink us into a pit of despair.

This tug-of-war between anxious thoughts and the promise of peace impacts us over the long term. We get caught up in the busyness of life in a society that epitomizes hustle and grind as its core cultural values.

In response, we adapt to our environments to keep pace with what we believe is necessary to manage life on schedule. Yet, we don’t realize the high cost that apprehension and intrusive thoughts exact. We pay with our physical bodies as well as our mental and emotional states.

Stop, think, act.

In troublesome moments, we can take practical steps to interrupt and slow ourselves when triggered by anxiety. First, we stop or pause to notice the content and the quality of our thoughts.

Next, thinking about our current thought stream helps us to discern what is from Jesus, our Prince of Peace, and what comes from a spirit of fear. While thoughts that are governed by the mind of Christ will convey peace and reassurance, anxiety often stirs up restlessness, condemnation, haste, and sometimes shame. We then act, based on what we are hearing.

When we are motivated by the sensations that anxiety produces, we may end up making poor decisions that only lead to more unrest. On the other hand, we make choices guided by peace, toward peace when we respond to the Voice of our Shepherd.

While it seems easier said, let’s remember that as we grow in relationship with the Holy Spirit through praying, meditating, and affirming Scripture. We don’t have to wait until we’re in a crisis. Cultivating the relationship when we aren’t in distress will help us to hear Him better, and therefore, respond to the Holy Spirit with intention in all of the moments we encounter.

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3, NASB

Next steps to overcome anxious thoughts.

The enemy wants you to believe that you don’t have control over this area. While you may experience the diagnosis of an anxiety-related disorder, it doesn’t have to control you. No matter how your symptoms present, you still have victory in Christ. Jesus stands with you to defy what He’s already defeated (Colossians 2:15), even as you continue to embrace Him as your champion and peace.

Search the site, schedule an appointment, and commit to meeting with a counselor to support you with strategies to interrupt and overcome your anxious thoughts.