Today I will focus on the topic of anxiety;
and compare what Jesus and the world says. But first let me provide a definition of it. Anxiety is often characterized by overthinking and excessive worry; and there’s usually an inner turmoil related to holding on instead of letting go. Anxiety is typically accompanied by nervous behaviors and somatic complaints - like overreacting to a situation that is subjectively seen, as being in distress, causing muscle tension and tightness in chest - which can lead to panic attacks and loss of breath. The physical response one gets to anxious thoughts, is often attached to the feeling of dread; a great fear or apprehension that something bad is going to happen - related to a perceived or a real threat. Anxiety is truly the epitome of being controlled by the flesh; driven by the negative thoughts and feelings that are pumped through the head. Anxiety can feel like trying to chase after a thousand pieces of paper in the wind; try to grab swirling thoughts that never seem to end. Excessive control may become a natural reaction for those who find the world to be unpredictable and all-consuming; so they try to control the external world instead of having it control them. The anxious often try to influence the behaviors of another person; and they do this by making it “all about them.” The fear of being at the mercy of another person leads to feelings of vulnerability which can result in wanting to be more in control. Believe it or not, over-anxious people can inflict tremendous psychological distress - because they believe they are victimized by an unfair world. In conclusion, anxiety is typically tied to distorted thoughts and feelings focused on the preservation of self. Anxiety is a natural reaction of a person who is experiencing much fear and much doubt. So if this is true, and anxiety is a natural response to walking through the wilderness, the Valley of the Shadow of the Death, then why does scripture say, “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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 What is the anxious person supposed to do with this? Well, I believe the apostle Paul, who was driven by the Holy Spirit, had the best plan of attack! He said, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 You see, as children of God, our thoughts should not be our own. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which happens when we die to self and give our thoughts over to God. Scripture says that we are justified by Christ's blood, and it's only our faith in Christ that makes us righteous in God's eyes. So we can let go of perfection, and works of the flesh - because none of that matters to obtain the Kingdom of God. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
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