Why Should You Feel Anxious?
Just the other day, I opened an email and started reading it (I know… exciting). I suddenly realized that my heart was beating harder. Opening an app on my watch, I could see the numbers. Four minutes prior, my heartrate was at 52 beats per minute. Now, it was registering 68 beats per minute. Something in the email triggered anxious thoughts so much so that it affected me physically!
Did you spend any time this past week asking the Lord and other loved ones to help you know when you’re feeling anxious? There are telltale signs.
Edwin Friedman, in A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, says, “There is a positive side to all this for leaders, who can use their symptoms (headaches, angina, rashes, increased drinking, sexual acting-out, accidents) as early-warning signals… In other words, leaders can use their bodies to help them be more effective leaders. Instead of treating their symptoms as impediments, they can see them as messengers…” (pp. 236-237)
Rod Woods, in his book Freed to Lead, says this: “anxiety always hides itself… it will disguise itself as something else.” (pp. 248-249).
These authors are addressing leaders, but the concepts are true for all of us. We can, and need to, pay attention to the signals that indicate we are feeling anxious.
Once we learn to recognize anxiety in our life, how do we address it?
Since we are holistic beings, we need to consider all aspects of our being to appropriately deal with anxiety—our spiritual, mental, physical, and relational health. We can use our emotional indicators to help us understand what needs to be addressed.
I enjoy running, walking, and hiking. The benefit is that my cardiovascular system gets more efficient, the physical impact of stress gets worked through, and there are even positive results in brain chemistry. (See Anderson & Miller, Managing Your Anger, for more detail.) Are you doing anything to help your physical being handle anxiety?
Relationally, it is important that we address conflict with others in healthy ways that seek resolution. Like Paul said in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (ESV) While the success of any relationship is not completely on your shoulders, we do need to take responsibility for our own actions. The other person’s response to reconciliation reveals more about their heart and willingness to live in harmony than it reveals about our “performance” as a friend or family member. Take your responsibility, but not theirs (See 1 Corinthians 7 & 12). Have you dealt with any outstanding issues as far as you are responsible?
Not only that, it is vital to have healthy support systems in place before issues arise. Each week, I meet with two friends to talk through the emotional impact of life. Once a month, two other leaders and I, meet to talk about life and leadership. Do you have relationships that provide support and encouragement?
The mental and spiritual aspects of life are closely intertwined. Throughout Scripture, the Lord provides direction regarding what to do when we feel anxious. He also warns us that failing to deal with the sources of our anxiety give the enemy of our souls an inroad to oppress us (see 1 Peter 5:6-8).
In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul, through the direction of the Holy Spirit, gives instructions on how to deal with anxiety:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say rejoice (Phil. 4:4). Part of why I enjoy exercising outside is because I get to see the beauty of God’s creation and be reminded of His power and majesty (Romans 1:20). Rejoicing in the Lord reminds us of the truth of God’s character—His power, love, sovereignty, and goodness—which helps lessen anxious thoughts.
Be gracious and remember God is near (Phil 4:5). In the past, my over-reaction to conflict was so great that my reaction became the bigger problem. When we remember God is with us and He is in charge of the outcome, we can be gracious in addressing tough, anxiety-producing issues.
Pray and ask God to work (Phil 4:6). As our pastor used to put it, “Use your anxiety as a trigger for prayer.”
Finally, take responsibility for your thoughts; don’t just let them run away from you! Use the filter of Philippians 4:8 to measure your thought life. We are called to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (NIV).
Then, put the things you learned from Scripture and mature Christians into practice. The promise is that the peace of God will guard your heart and mind.
Dear Saints, are you aware of your own personal “anxiety indicators”? Are you aware of your thoughts and how they may be affecting you? Anxiety is directly related to our thought-life, so we must choose to actively think on the Truth. Trusting Him, we can then take action. Remember—God is on your side, and He is in control of the outcome. Our security is in Him alone.
Note: A great resource for resolving anxiety is The Steps to Freedom in Christ. This resource provides a clear prayer path for resolving personal and spiritual conflicts. Studies have shown an increase in mental, emotional and relational health following The Steps when people truly submit to God.