Dear Stephen, I am in agreement with your prayer. I pray that the peace and joy of God will overpower any negativity or anxiety that comes your way and that you can handle any situation with good temper. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

Stephen, I too have dealt with debilitating anxiety before and still have small bouts when stressed. However, with the help of listening to Joyce Meyer's podcasts and seeing things that I needed to change, I took action. God was waiting on me to come back to him and I did, but fully this time. Peace is so important to me now that I will not trade it for anything or anyone. I lived in a marriage for 23 years where there was no peace so I'm sure you can understand why. I hope that this encourages you though. Also, remember, that what you think about is VERY important. The Bible tells us:

Phillipians 4:8
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (NLT)

The whole point is to remain positive in attitude and think about good things. When I'm having a bad day, sometimes I will listen to sermon podcasts all day. Think about it. If your thinking about God/Christ/the Holy Spirit, there's not any room to or time to think about YOUR problems. Do your part, but trust that God will do his part too. Stop worrying and start praying.

Ephesians 4:31-32
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as god through Christ has forgiven you."(NLT)

This is harder than most think. However, if I stay in Christ (thinking on good things), this comes very easy. I can't do it myself. It's a struggle everyday, but with God's help, everyday is better.

Phillipians 4:13
I can do all this through Him (Christ) who gives me strength. (NIV)

When something seems harder than you think it should be, ask yourself, "Am I trying to this or am I letting God lead the way?"

Personally, Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life has done miracles in my life. God has used her to teach me so much. Even though she's a woman, she's definitely anointed by God to do what she's doing. I hope you will give her a try.

God bless you and fill you with his Holy Spirit today.