We talked in part 1 about anxiety.  Does it affect women more than men? The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that from the time a girl reaches puberty until about the age of 50, she is twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder as a man. Anxiety disorders also occur earlier in women than in men.

The most common thing to co-occur with anxiety is depression. Differences in brain chemistry may account for at least part of these differences. The brain system involved in the fight-or-flight response is activated more readily in women and stays activated longer than men, partly as a result of the action of estrogen and progesterone.

The neurotransmitter serotonin may also play a role in response to stress and anxiety. Some evidence suggests that the female brain does not process serotonin as quickly as the male brain. Additionally, recent research has found that women are more sensitive to low levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a hormone that organizes stress responses in mammals, making them twice as vulnerable as men to stress-related disorders.

Most of us experience anxiety at different points in our lives and it can make us feel smothered like a heavy weight that clouds our thinking.  When you dwell on the issue, your focus stays stuck there.  The solution to anxiety is to focus on Jesus.  Many times, women try to “white knuckle it” by saying, “I won’t worry about this or worry about that.”  Doing things in our strength will quickly fade.  Transfer your focus and your devotion to Christ not on the issue. 

There is a funny video on YouTube called “Stop it” with Bob Newhart who is a therapist. https://youtu.be/4BjKS1-vjPs.  As he is counseling a new patient, he continuously repeats, “Stop it – just stop it!”  Sounds simple doesn’t it?  So, I would say, stop it with worry. Stop it with anxiety.  Stop focusing on the problem. Stop focusing on the person. Stop focusing on the situation. Stop thinking you are in control and lean on God. 

Matthew chapter 6:25 starts teaching about worry.  The Bible says in Matthew 6:32, “But Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Trying to tough it out won’t let you experience peace because your focus is on your issue, problem, what you have to do, why you haven’t gotten there, your job, your kids, your spouse, or your friend.  We experience peace in the surrender.  

Pray to God and tell Him, “Not my will, but your will.” Tell God, “I seek your kingdom first and where I work second.  I will seek your kingdom first and my relationship with that guy second. I decide to focus on your kingdom first and my education second.  You know what is best for me Lord.  You already know my hopes and dreams, but I want your will to be done in my life, more than I want my way.” 

There is such a simple, yet poignant song called Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It goes like this, Turn your eyes upon Jesus. 

Look full in His wonderful face (focus on Him)

AND (when you do) 

the things of earth will grow strangely dim (disappear) 

in the light of His glory and grace

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

When you focus on a perfect Lord, the peace that surpasses all understanding will overtake you.  You know – that peace that doesn’t make sense in the middle of turmoil all around you. Things can change in a moment. Focus on the one who doesn’t change and is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  A holy and perfect and faithful father – one who will never leave us or forsake you.