Question 1

Why is anxiety such a destructive force in my life?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 143:4I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.Matthew 8:23-27Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”Matthew 10:26-31“Don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”Matthew 25:24-25“The servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’”Anxiety can be detrimental because it may lead to inaction, even keeping us from doing what we know we want or need to do. The psalmist, David, was “paralyzed with fear.” When Jesus’ disciples faced a sudden storm on the sea of Galilee, they panicked, thinking they were going to drown. They knew Jesus was with them, but they hadn’t yet realized who he was and his incredible power. So they focused on their terrifying problem, feared the worst, and almost missed the reality of Jesus’ divine presence with them. And in Jesus’ parable about the master and his bags of silver, the servant with one bag of silver said he didn’t invest his master’s money because he “was afraid” that he would lose it all. Anxiety can cause us to fear the worst, turning our focus to past failures and possible bad outcomes. It keeps us from enjoying the present and the blessings we have.Psalm 55:4-5My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.Daniel 6:18Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.Anxiety can affect us at a physiological level—sleeplessness, heart palpitations, trembling, sweating, feeling cold or hot, and many other symptoms can spring from anxiety.Psalm 143:8-10Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.Proverbs 17:22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.Romans 15:13I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.Anxiety can be detrimental because it robs us of our hope, joy, and strength.

Question 2

Where does my anxiety come from?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 51:1-3Have mercy on me [David], O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.Luke 22:56-57, 60-62A servant girl noticed him [Peter] in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” . . . while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.Philippians 3:13-14I [Paul] focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.1 Timothy 1:15-16This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I [Paul] am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.Anxiety is often rooted in past regrets. Even the great heroes of our faith—David, Peter, and Paul—committed sins they would deeply regret. Yet each was restored to a healthy, even joyful, relationship with God (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51; John 21:15-19). Though repentance was a painful process for them, each was forgiven, and each set his eyes on God’s salvation ahead of him rather than on his sins behind him. The apostle Paul realized that God’s mercy on him, the worst of sinners, proved that God can use anyone for his glory and for his work—and that includes all of us!Judges 6:11Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites.Before Gideon became a judge in Israel, he had lived in constant fear of Midianite oppressors. He even used the pit of a winepress to thresh wheat for food so the Midianites wouldn’t see him and steal his grain. Seven years of fear and oppression had created a sense of persistent and overwhelming anxiety in Gideon (Judges 6:15-17, 27, 36-40). In the same way, circumstances we have experienced can trigger persistent worry in us, which, if left unchecked, can grow into debilitating anxiety.Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? . . . So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”Philippians 4:11-13Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.It’s easy to be worried about food and shelter, especially when we have family members to provide for. But building a habit of fear and worry is a recipe for anxiety—which is not what God desires for us. Just as an earthly father cares for his family, our heavenly Father cares for us, and we can trust him to provide for our needs. Even in times of hardship, God is faithful.2 Kings 21:21He [Amon] followed the example of his father [Manasseh], worshiping the same idols his father had worshiped.2 Chronicles 20:32Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight.Children often follow in the footsteps of their parents—and not only in matters of faith. Patterns of anxiety often pass from generation to generation.Numbers 13:31-32; 14:1The other men who had explored the land with him [Caleb] disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.” . . . So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.One person’s fears and anxieties can influence the anxieties of others, leading to a debilitating anxiety for an entire community.Proverbs 29:25Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.Ecclesiastes 4:4Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.Galatians 1:10Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.It is good to desire a godly reputation, and it’s good to try to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-12). However, constant worrying about what people think of us—and fears of how we may have fallen short—can cause social anxiety. The Bible warns us not to put too much weight on the opinions of others. In the end, only one opinion really matters—God’s opinion.Matthew 10:28-31“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”John 3:16-17“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”Romans 8:15So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”Romans 11:6Since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.1 John 4:15-18All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.It is good to fear God in the sense that we should respect him. It is not good to fear God in the sense that we don’t trust his love. Many Christians are anxious about God’s judgment. This fear may come from a “fire and brimstone” church background, or simply from reading Scriptures that give genuine warnings about eternity and the fear of God (such as Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 13:50; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). While we should live with eternity in mind, some Christians grow anxious about these warnings, feeling unworthy and fearful that they have lost their salvation.But here is the truth: We are all unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness. None of us deserve salvation, but God offers it anyway. And yes, he knows that our salvation hasn’t wiped away our old sin habits entirely—that’s why he sent the Holy Spirit to walk alongside us, to help us grow (2 Corinthians 3:18). Scripture makes it clear that repentance isn’t a one-time act, and learning to trust God’s love and live it out is a growth process (James 5:15; 1 John 4:17). If you have not yet experienced God’s perfect love, that’s okay. Your heavenly Father loves you, and his work in you isn’t done (Philippians 1:6).Matthew 5:43-44, 46-48“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”If Jesus calls us to be “perfect,” then isn’t he calling us to perfectionism? Perfectionism fills us with a fear of falling short—a constant source of anxiety to many. But such perfection is not what Jesus is talking about here. Jesus calls us to love perfectly, not to achieve perfectly. Our GPA, our job performance review, or our church attendance record is not in review here. Becoming perfect means becoming more complete in our love for God and others, a love that will naturally overflow into our actions. Fear of messing up has nothing to do with that sort of love.2 Corinthians 12:9Each time he [the Lord] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.Philippians 1:6I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.Philippians 3:13-14I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.Hebrews 10:14By that one offering he [Christ] forever made perfect those who are being made holy.James 3:2Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.Everyone has failed at something. Anxiety often grows in light of our failures and limitations, replaying them before our eyes—and there is no way to avoid failure completely. Even if we were somehow able to resist sin’s temptation entirely, we would still be human. We are limited in our knowledge, wisdom, and ability. But God is not surprised by our weaknesses—and in fact, he often works through them. The success of God’s mission in our world doesn’t depend on our strength and ability, and we don’t need to prove our worth to him in order to deserve his love. God saves us because he already loves us, and he sanctifies us because he wants us to be free from sin’s tormenting power. In time, we will become more like him, and one day, we will be made perfect—not through constant fear of punishment, but through God’s prevailing power and love.Matthew 6:19-21“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”1 Timothy 6:17Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.Romans 8:6So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.Anxiety can come from placing too much value on material things. When the property we own is what we value most, then we are in constant danger of losing it through crime, natural disasters, and shifting economies. The Bible repeatedly warns us of the anxiety and heartbreak that comes from loving our wealth. When we treasure God above all else, we can live at peace, secure in our eternal future with him.Matthew 6:19“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.”Luke 4:5-7The devil took him [Jesus] up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”1 John 2:15-16Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he showed Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” As John reminds us, we can become fascinated and drawn to all that the world has to offer, developing a “craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.” But earthly treasures of wealth, health, and human praise come and go, and when we build our lives around them, we are always in danger of losing our foundation. Attempting to “gain the whole world” can make us very anxious.Matthew 24:6-8“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”John 16:1-3“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me.”John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”Today through social media and online news outlets, we are more aware than at any time in history of what is going on in the world. In addition to being drawn to what the world offers, we can become anxious as we see all the reports of natural disasters, terrorism, societal ills, and other potentially terrifying issues and feel as though the world is out of control and closing in on us. We can take comfort that none of this is surprising to God, and in fact, God warns us of these things so we can have peace, knowing he will have the victory.

Question 3

What is the difference between anxiety and worry?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 6:25-34“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”Anxiety is characterized by excessive fear and ruminations that can sometimes spiral into panic. Worry or fretting is a state of being concerned about a situation. Anxiety tends to be pervasive (for example, feeling as though the world is closing in and life is falling apart), while worry tends to be specific (for example, concern about a loved one’s health, nervousness about taking a test or giving a speech). However, dwelling on worry and negative thoughts can form the foundation for patterns of anxiety.Psalm 16:7-9I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.Matthew 10:19-20“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”Anxiety tends to assume the worst outcome, and it is persistent and perpetual. It often forms a constant cycle of asking “What if . . . ?” or dwelling on “I shouldn’t have . . .” or thinking “This always happens!” Worry focuses much more on present circumstances (for example, concern about the fallout from a bad performance review or regretting something we just said).2 Corinthians 4:17-18Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.1 John 2:17This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.Anxiety is longstanding; that is, we see no end in sight, assuming that a current problem or negative situation will last a very long time. Worry, however, is temporary and only lasts as long as a particular circumstance.Numbers 13:31–14:4The other men who had explored the land with him [Caleb] disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”Psalm 143:4I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.The ten spies who disagreed with Joshua and Caleb stirred up the people to the point that “they cried all night.” As a result, Israel did not enter the Promised Land and had to wander in the wilderness another forty years (Numbers 14:33-34). Worry can be a problem, but anxiety can incapacitate people at all levels—cognitive, emotional, and behavioral.

Question 4

How can I deal with my anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 23:4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.Psalm 94:19When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.We can deal with anxiety by remembering that God is with us no matter where we are or what we are facing, even while in “the darkest valley.”Psalm 34:4I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.Psalm 118:5In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.Isaiah 41:13“I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’”1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.Three hundred sixty-five verses of the Bible give us some variant of “do not fear.” God knows we are inclined toward fear and anxiety, and he doesn’t condemn us for it—but he does want to free us from it. The first step toward that freedom is to call out to him. Just as a child cries out for a parent during a thunderstorm, we can call to our heavenly Father during the most violent storms of life. He is our source of comfort and security.Isaiah 26:3You [the Lord] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!Philippians 4:6-9Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 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. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.Anxiety is a pattern, a mindset, and it even affects the pathways of our brains. Scripture doesn’t merely tell us to “stop worrying,” as if escaping anxiety is a one-and-done choice. It tells us to intentionally change the patterns of our thoughts and put God’s truth into practice. Simply avoiding anxious thoughts isn’t enough. We need to renew our minds by reframing our thinking, filling our thoughts with what is true, honorable, right, pure, and admirable.1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.We can deal with anxiety by praying—talking to God honestly about our worries, concerns, and fears.Judges 6:13-14“Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”It would be wonderful if God just waved his hand and our anxiety disappeared. For years, Gideon had lived in fear under the oppressive threat of the Midianites, so he asked God why Israel hadn’t been miraculously saved from the Midianite armies. God answered in a way Gideon didn’t expect—he asked Gideon to lead the charge! God didn’t expect Gideon to single-handedly destroy an army, but he did want Gideon to be part of the solution. In the same way, we can take “the strength that we have” and partner with God in confronting our anxieties.Judges 6:36-40Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.” And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Please don’t be angry with me, but let me make one more request. Let me use the fleece for one more test. This time let the fleece remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew.” So that night God did as Gideon asked. The fleece was dry in the morning, but the ground was covered with dew.Judges 7:9-11, 15That night the Lord said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them! But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” . . . When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”Gideon was anxious and afraid, yet he desired to be faithful. God knew this, and worked through Gideon in the midst of that anxiety. When Gideon was uncertain if God was truly calling him to lead Israel, he asked for reassurance through the fleece—and God answered. When Gideon second-guessed God’s confirmation, he asked for more reassurance, and again, God answered. The night of the battle, Gideon was terrified—but God knew this. So God told Gideon to sneak down to the enemy camp to receive a final reassurance. Sneaking down to the enemy camp was a risk that required faith, but what Gideon overheard gave him the confidence to take an even greater step of faith and launch an attack on the Midianites. In whatever situation we are in, God knows our fears and weaknesses, and he does not reject us because of them. If we are willing to partner with him, he will lead us to a better place.Judges 7:18“As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”When we face our fears and anxieties, we must be intentional. Even before Gideon announced his presence to a hostile army, he made a commitment to do so with confidence. That confidence was in God—and now, through God, Gideon also had more confidence in himself.Matthew 28:20“And be sure of this: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age.”John 16:33“I [Jesus] have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”2 Corinthians 4:8-9We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.Confronting anxiety does not mean pretending valid fears don’t exist. Jesus promises that we will face trials and sorrows. However, he also promises that he will walk beside us every step of the way into eternity—that is a confidence and peace nothing can shake!Matthew 26:39-44“I want your will to be done, not mine.” . . . Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” . . . So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.Luke 22:44He [Jesus] prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.Hebrews 12:1-2Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.Anxiety is not a sin. Jesus himself faced anxiety as he awaited betrayal by his closest friends, ridicule by his enemies, and a gruesome torture and death. His anxiety was so deep that the Bible describes him as suffering from hematohidrosis—a rare medical phenomenon where extreme stress causes someone to sweat blood. Yet in this extreme fear, knowing for certain the terrors that lay before him, Jesus turned to his heavenly Father for strength and entrusted himself to God’s will. He was confident of the joy that awaited him in the end—and that gave him the strength to face the unimaginable.2 Corinthians 1:3-4All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.2 Corinthians 12:7-9So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.Anxiety may be a lasting “thorn in the flesh,” but that doesn’t mean it can stop God’s work in us or through us. Every hero in the Bible had weaknesses and struggles, and we are no different. Take confidence that God can and will use you for his glory—not just in spite of your struggle with anxiety, but through it.2 Kings 6:15-17When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.2 Corinthians 5:16-17So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!We can deal with anxiety by looking at the world and our problems from God’s perspective.Psalm 118:6The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?John 15:9-11“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”Jude 1:24-25Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.We can deal with anxiety by trusting God and remembering that he is in control and that he loves us.Matthew 14:28-30Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.Peter stepped out in faith and walked on water, but he began to sink when he looked away from Jesus and saw the waves. We can deal with anxiety by keeping our eyes on Jesus instead of obsessing about our problems.

Question 5

How do I identify whether or not I need professional help?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 11:14Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.Proverbs 15:22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.We may be reluctant about seeking professional help because we think it would show a lack of faith or because it would reveal a weakness and be embarrassing. The Bible, however, highlights the benefits and even necessity of “many advisors.” We all need help from time to time. According to Christian therapists, we should get professional help if anxiety keeps us from interacting socially, doing normal tasks or errands, sleeping, or working, or if we find ourselves feeling anxious for three or four days every week for several months.

Question 6

How can I help others deal with anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Job 2:11-13When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.Job 16:2“I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are!”Psalm 18:13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.For seven days, Job’s friends simply stayed with him in his suffering, offering no words of advice. Their presence was the strongest comfort they could offer. It was when they opened their mouths, offering advice on things they didn’t understand, that they made Job’s situation worse. When someone suffers from anxiety, we shouldn’t offer quick clichés in answer. That’s like putting a band-aid on a deep, festering wound. It’s better to simply listen and be present.James 2:16Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?If we saw someone walking around with a festering wound, we wouldn’t tell them, “That looks bad. I hope you get better soon.” Like a wound, anxiety can also fester, though its effects may not always be physically obvious. In either case, a kind word or a quick Bible verse, though not without value, doesn’t go far enough to address the problem. We should encourage that individual to seek professional help.1 Corinthians 12:26If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.We can help others deal with anxiety by listening to them and praying for them.Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.Anxiety is fueled by persistent negative thoughts. We can help others counter their anxious thought patterns by reminding them of what is true, offering comfort and encouragement.Deuteronomy 31:6“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”Psalm 55:22Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Romans 8:31What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?Ephesians 4:15-16Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.We are the body of Christ—learning, living, loving, and growing together. Ultimately, the comfort we give the anxious should point back to the Prince of Peace himself. Trusting in God’s love and faithfulness isn’t always easy for those with anxiety. But when both our words and actions reflect God’s love and faithfulness to them, it becomes easier for them to grasp.

Question 7

How can I grow in my faith and maturity amidst my anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.Jeremiah 9:23-24This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”Luke 12:19-21“‘And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”Nobody enjoys lacking control over their feelings and anxious responses. Anxiety can be a humbling experience, a constant reminder that our own strengths, abilities, and resources cannot give us security. That reminder of our insufficiency can paralyze us with fear (which is what Satan wants), or it can remind us of God’s sovereignty over our lives. We cannot control all the details of our lives, but we can make a conscious choice to entrust them to God each day.Isaiah 41:10“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”Worrying or feeling anxious can inspire us to turn to God, reminding us that God is with us, that he loves us, and that he is always victorious.1 Peter 5:6-7So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.When we sense fear, worry, or anxiety growing, we can humbly give them to God, knowing that he cares for us.Luke 10:38-42As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”Martha was worried about the details of the meal, while Mary focused on listening to Jesus, the “only thing worth being concerned about.” Times of anxiety can inspire us to analyze our values and rearrange our priorities.Philippians 4:6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Becoming anxious about something can be a prompt for prayer. When we pray, we should confess all our worries and concerns to our loving Father and thank him specifically for all he has done for us.James 1:2-4Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.When faced with trouble—situations that usually would heighten our anxiety or worry—we can thank God for the opportunity to grow in our faith and ask him to guide us through.