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Anxiety – A prolonged sensation of fear in response to a real or perceived threat.

Phil 4:8-9 gives us a good understanding of how we operate as humans. 

Positive worry = Godly Concern

  • 2 Cor 11:28
  • Phil 2:20
  • 1 Peter 5:6-8 
  • Godly anxiety flows from a realization that we live in a dangerous world and there are plenty of future possibilities that are undesirable.
  • Godly anxiety has more of an outward/God focus, not so much on self. Motivated by desire for the glory of God, not preservation of self.
  • Godly anxiety will always turn toward a confident trust in God to work all things for our good and His glory.

Ungodly fear or worry/anxiety

The consuming negative feeling we experience when something we value is threatened. 

  • Matt 6:25 
  • It tempts us to unbelief. 
  • It’s consuming and therefore keeps us from our God-given calling and responsibilities. 
  • It demonstrates our idolatry. It exposes our idols. 

The solution: Who is God?

  • Ps 103:8-14, 19 (Jerry Bridges – Trusting God)
    • Sovereign – Can do what is best for us (19)
    • Wise – Knows what is best for us (8-9)
    • Loving – Wants what is best for us (1-5, 12-14)
  • Dealing with the 3 core idols: approval, comfort and control.

Habitual/Reflexive anxiety (panic)

The experience of a negative feeling (similar to how we feel when something we value is threatened) precipitated not by our thoughts, but by an involuntary response. It is typically linked to something that happened in the past. 

The Solution: Control what you can control, trust God with the rest. This includes: 

  • Cling to the truths of Scripture
  • Entrust your fallen body to Christ and wait  patiently for Him to bring relief
  • Prioritize sleep
  • Exercise
  • Eat healthy
  • Stay in community with healthy people
  • If all these things aren’t helping or helping enough, explore if medicine can be helpful

Final insight

Anxiety is incredibly hard. Be compassionate to those who struggle. Be compassionate to yourself. Be careful not to immediately confront someone with a lack of faith.

Resources

The Acts of Jesus Depression