Are You Experiencing Anxiety?
Years ago, Chuck Swindoll told a story about his children’s sermon one Easter. He brought a rabbit as an illustration and once he gathered the children, he asked them what he was holding. There were long moments of silence, broken only by Chuck’s encouragement that they knew what it was and could say it out loud. Finally, one little boy said, “It looks like a bunny, but I’ll say ‘Jesus!’”
Have you ever realized you could repeat the ‘right’ answer for church friends, but you weren’t sure you believed it yourself? Maybe, in spite of knowing the right answer, your emotions and obedience don’t line up with what you say. These are indications of intellectual knowledge, but not heart (mind, emotions, and will) knowledge and practice.
The uncertainty we have experienced in our world over the past few years brings these discrepancies to the surface. And oftentimes, the approaching holidays create some anxiety as well. We wonder if things will go well with family members who think and believe differently. We hope everyone will be happy with the gifts we get them and the time we are able to spend together.
When our actions, attitudes, and emotions don’t line up with the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23), we have the opportunity to realize we are operating by the flesh and not by the Spirit. Why do we do this? Because we may know the ‘right’ answer, but we struggle to believe it and act upon it. Essentially, we put our trust in our own resources, experience, and interpretation of the world instead of in what God says is true.
Anxiety is a common reaction to unknown circumstances around us—and we’ve had our share of them the last few years! (a global health crisis, wars, political upheaval, etc.). But it’s important to recognize that our thoughts direct our emotions and reveal our core beliefs. When we stop to recognize our thoughts and examine our underlying core beliefs, we have an opportunity to align our beliefs with what God says is true. Then, we can experience being ‘transformed by the renewing of our mind’ (Romans 12:2).
Once our core beliefs are revealed, we can grow in faith by choosing to trust God for what He has told us.
If you are experiencing anxiety that is disproportionate to your circumstances or that is preventing you from living responsibly, consider the following exercise taken from The Steps to Freedom in Christ (Dr. Neil T. Anderson, 2017, Appendix D, p. 30).
First, ask the Lord to “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23-24, HCSB). Ask the Lord to reveal any thoughts that run contrary to His character, the truth He has communicated in His Word, or His care for you. Write down any thoughts that come to mind.
Then, state the problem as you see it. It is helpful to define the problem clearly. In doing so, we often realize the problem is not as big as we felt it was, or we recognize a path forward, if not a solution.
Next, divide the facts from the assumptions. If we haven’t done this, we typically assume the worst. This is an added drain on our emotions and ability to face reality. It can spiral into greater and greater assumptions of impending disaster. Once we are dealing with facts, we can look at it a bit more objectively and identify any specific fears, which are easier to address than a generalized anxiety.
Fourth, determine what you have the right or ability to control. In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus addressed our responsibility and trusting God. If we live responsibly and have our focus in the right place (that which is of eternal value), Jesus says our heavenly Father knows what we need and is faithful to us as we seek first His kingdom.
After you’ve determined your responsibility, list everything you can do and commit to doing it with the Lord’s wisdom and strength.
Finally, prayerfully trust God to fulfill His responsibility. If you continue to wrestle with disproportionate anxiety, consider developing a stronghold buster to help renew your mind in trusting God (See the blog post below entitled Stronghold Buster for Fighting Anxiety).
Dear Saints, remember that we are responsible to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and that “the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action” (Daniel11:32b). We are not asked to do this in our own strength or wisdom, but to understand that “the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy1:7).