DEALING WITH ANXIETY

MATTHEW 6:28–34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own

(Matthew 6:34).

The most frequent negative command that came from the lips of our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry was “Fear not.” As we read the Gospels, it seems as if Jesus gave this command constantly. This shows us that worry is one of our most basic problems, and Jesus knew it.

There are various kinds of anxiety. One is manifested in what is called a phobia. Some people have irrational fears of small rooms or of cats or something else. The cause of such phobias is often hard to uncover, but at least people can deal with them by avoiding whatever causes the fear.

Another kind is neurotic anxiety. By this we mean an overwhelming sense of fear and worry that seems irrational but may be founded in some event in the past that causes a person to feel guilty. Often a skilled counsellor can help a person uncover an event in childhood that lies behind such neurotic anxiety and help him get over it.

The Root Problem of Anxiety

Free-floating anxiety, however, is the major problem we face as Christians. This involves fear of the future, lack of trust in God, and other general problems. St. Augustine called it “restlessness” when he wrote, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee.” He was referring to a deep, bothersome unsettledness in our personality.

In any kind of personal estrangement there is a sense of restlessness that comes into the picture. We don’t feel at ease with the person from whom we are estranged. Now multiply that by infinity, because we are estranged from the infinite and omnipresent God of creation, and you see the source of worry and anxiety in the human condition.

CORAM DEO

Maxims and simplistic solutions do violence to the complex problem of anxiety. Biblical principles and Scripture however come invested with the full authority of the Creator and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The counsel of Scripture is not mere words; Paul and Jesus are not simply offering suggestions for resolving anxieties. As you read today’s “For further study,” remember the Author is also the Enabler.

For further study: Psalm 37:1–7. Psalm 55; John 14:25–27; James 5:7–18

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