Out of all human emotions, anger and fear are probably the most problematic. Both emotions can have significant consequences for our lives if they are not handled well. In this article, we will discuss how to deal with anxiety by exploring what the Bible has to say about it.
What does anxiety look and feel like?
Fear goes by many names – anxiety, worry, distress, dismay, trepidation, dread, and many more. It varies by degree of intensity, from a feeling of slight unease up to absolute terror.
We can express our fear in many ways:
- Repetitive, racing, or spiraling thoughts.
- Sweaty palms, increased heart rate, dry mouth, a “pit” in your stomach, difficulty sleeping, or disordered eating.
- Withdrawal from or avoidance of certain relationships or environments.
- Hampered ability to focus or pay attention, or by a feeling of paralysis in deciding what to do next.
- Sometimes fear is not immediately obvious. It can manifest as other emotions such as anger or be expressed through behaviors such as a preoccupation with cleaning or becoming organized, for example.
What degree of fear do you most often feel, or frequently becomes an issue for you? How do you express your anxiety?
What is the underlying reason for anxiety?
The underlying reason for anxiety has to do with control. They are two sides of the same coin. We want to control something, but we can’t, so we become anxious about it. The common factor across every reason for anxiety is uncertainty. We feel vulnerable because we cannot control something and thus the future is uncertain.
What do you feel anxious about? Naming your worries helps you to see that they are finite and specific rather than endless. Writing them down helps this process and helps to rest your mind from the thoughts chasing themselves around in your head.
Next, we need to find out why we are anxious about that thing. Ask yourself: What is it that I want, need, crave, or demand? What am I afraid of losing? What am I afraid of never getting? Asking questions like these helps us to discern our heart’s motives so we can learn how to deal with anxiety.
What help does God offer to deal with anxiety?
Two central themes in Scripture equip us in how to deal with anxiety. The first is knowing God’s nearness to us. This truth abounds in references across the Bible. Here are just a few of these amazing promises from God:
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. – Psalm 145:18, NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10, NIV
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20, NIV
As if God’s nearness was not enough, as Christians we also have Christ in us (Col. 1:27; Eph. 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 2:20).
God is near us and in us. We are not alone. He has promised to strengthen and help us, and He is a present help in trouble. If you are struggling to believe God’s words, reflect on them and pray: “I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
The second theme in Scripture is powered by the first: because God is near, we can attend to today and trust tomorrow to Him.
Jesus said: ”Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34, NIV
Because God is near, because Christ is in us, what is most important is certain, and can never be lost. We are empowered to face all the uncertainties of this world and display the fruit of the Spirit even amid our worries: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV). Then we can seek God’s wisdom on how to handle the trouble right in front of us.
Seeking professional help to deal with anxiety.
If you are struggling with how to deal with anxiety, please consider counseling sessions with a trained Christian counselor in Flower Mound, Texas. At Flower Mound Christian Counseling in Texas, you will find a safe space to discuss your fears without judgment and obtain help in dealing with them in a God-honoring way. Make an appointment with a Christian counselor at our office today.
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Kate Motaung: CuratorKate Motaung is the Senior Writer, Editor, and Content Manager for a multi-state company. She is the author of several books including Letters to Grief, 101 Prayers for Comfort in Difficult Times, and A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging...
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