Anxiety
Anxiety—which is defined here as fretful worry—is an extremely common problem in our world today. In fact, it would be difficult to find anyone who has not been anxious about some event or circumstance in his or her life. Though this problem is common, there is hope. We do not have to live lives marked by constant worry and anxiety. The solution to this problem is rooted in our beliefs about God. Often, those who fall into patterns of anxiety and worry have failed to properly focus their minds on what is true about God so that they might appropriately depend on Him for the help and care they need. Their minds wonder into realms of unbelief, not trusting that God cares about their situation, is accomplishing something good through it, or is powerful enough to control it according to His perfect will. These unbelieving thoughts must be corrected with biblical truth.
One passage that is particularly helpful to those who struggle with anxiety is Philippians 4:6–7. This passage states, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Several truths from this passage will help us to overcome our anxiety.
First, we must understand that anxiety is a choice. We are not helpless victims to our anxious and worrisome thoughts. Rather, we are commanded by God to be anxious for nothing. Since this is a command, it can and must be obeyed. The battle against anxiety begins with a choice to obey the Lord.
Second, we must grasp that there is no circumstance in which it is right to worry. Often, we seek to justify our anxiety if we believe our circumstances warrant it. This passage does not allow for such a view of anxiety, however. Rather, it tells us to be anxious for nothing. While there may be times to express a loving concern for others (1 Cor. 12:25; Philippians 2:20), this passage teaches us that fretful worry is never condoned. No matter what type of situation we face, we are not to demonstrate a lack of trust in God through fretful worry.
Third, this passage tells us how to win the battle against anxiety and worry. Put simply, we avoid anxiety by thankfully trusting God. Instead of worrying about our needs and circumstances, we are to make our needs and desires known to God through prayer. We are to do this with thankfulness, knowing that God is attentive to His children and cares for them (Romans 8:15–16; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 5:6–7; Matthew 6:25–34). No matter the situation we face, we must always remember that God can be trusted.
Finally, this passage reveals the results of appropriately placing our trust in the Lord. As we thankfully make our requests known to God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Amazingly, this peace is not something that is ordinary, but supernatural. It is beyond our human ability to understand. It is a peace that belongs to those who have trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. It is a peace which recognizes that if God sent His own Son to die on the cross for our sins, then surely there is nothing which will separate us from His compassionate, sustaining, and attentive love (Romans 8:31–39). It is a peace that recognizes that God powerfully orchestrates all events for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). It is a peace which understands that God is far wiser than we are, so He can therefore be trusted with the entirety of our lives (Isaiah 55:8–9; 1 Corinthians 1:25). Even in the worst of circumstances, God can give our troubled hearts peace which cannot be understood apart from His supernatural care.
The Bible has much more to say about worry and anxiety. If you’d like to know more or would like to talk to someone who can help you in this area, please contact us today.
For Personal Study:
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges The Power of Christian Contentment by Andrew M. Davis Answering Anxiety by Richard Caldwell Safe in the Storm: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety by Phil Moser