The Problem of Anxiety

Arguably the greatest obstacle facing our society today is the out-of-control rise of anxiety.

Science is studying it and attempting to understand it, art is portraying it and attempting to communicate it, our friends and family are struggling with it as we are attempting to recognize it, and we are wrestling with it while not wanting to admit it.

Jonathan Haidt in his latest book “The Anxious Generation” shows extensive research on the rapid increases among each generation which seems to grow worse the younger it gets. Pixar’s latest hit movie “Inside Out 2” poetically displayed anxiety in a young teen as reaching its peak in the feelings of “I am not good enough.” And when we simply look at our personal lives and those around us it is so abundantly clear that something is wrong, something is broken, and something is unnerving about the future that is before us. So, when did this whole anxiety thing become such a problem?

Defining Anxiety

Mayo Clinic defines anxiety as “intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.”[1] The difference between mere worry or fear and anxiety, is that anxiety as stated previously is “intense, excessive, and persistent.” Meaning it doesn’t pass quickly, but dwells in our life and causes wreckage when not dealt with. Despite anxiety being such a huge issue today, it is not a new issue in the human experience. Paul wrote to the church 2,000 years ago:

“Do not be anxious” Philippians 4:6a

Why did he write that? Clearly, there was anxiety in their life and I don’t know about you, but it is always comforting to know that our problems are not new and others have faced them before. The problem is it seems to be getting far worse in our day and age rather than better.

Why is rising Anxiety a concern?

On the surface biological level, the Mayo Clinic warns that anxiety can cause “Fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and feeling tired to occur.”[2] However, the biological impact is just the first step. When you look at cultural data you will find that rising anxiety has led to increased depression, lack of relationships, lack of adventure/ingenuity, and the list can go on and on. But, possibly the most relevant to this blog and my personal sphere of influence is it has impacted our relationship with God.

When our anxiety gets out of hand, it reveals unpleasant pieces of our spiritual life.

First, it reveals our theology and belief about God is incorrect. This sounds harsh and it is not a fun reality to face, but think about it when we are anxious about the day-to-day problems in our lives we are saying with our actions that we do not believe God is sovereign over the universe. If He cannot fix our jobs, our marriages, our kids, our friendships, our communities, etc. then how could He manage the universe?

Second, it reveals who we functionally look to as our God. One could make the argument that they believe that the God of the Bible is the God of the universe, but living an anxious life is just part of being human and they are attempting to trust in God. The hard truth is our actions reveal our heart, if we are constantly anxious and not trusting God is in control, it is because we view ourselves as the God of our situation. Our sinful pride is showing through that we believe only our own power, ability, intelligence, etc. is qualified to fix our situation.

Lastly, it is a gateway sin to so many others. The more we struggle with anxiety the more we look for ways to escape and that is typically found in addictions that we know are not good for us. Alcoholics usually don’t drink just to drink, but drink to escape the pain or discomfort of a situation. It is no different with porn, anger, overworking, laziness, and the list can go on and on that when we are full of anxiety we try to cope and cover up with more sin.

The concern of rising anxiety is so dangerous because this is just the starting ground for how to negatively impact us. The ultimate destination it can lead to is depression, identity crisis, suicidal thoughts, lack of purpose, and so much mental unhealth that our world struggles with today are countless and we need to find another answer.

So, what do we do about it?

“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Paul did not simply tell Christians 2,000 years ago to not be anxious, but he gave a solution, inspired by the Holy Spirit, on how not to.

Pray about Everything

The first and most basic solution is to pray about it.

Martin Luther said, “Pray and let God worry”.

What Luther knew that the Bible makes clear is that God does not worry, Hebrews 10 gives a picture of Jesus sitting on a throne, when the King sits on a throne it is a message to the kingdom that there is nothing to worry about. Right now Jesus is sitting unworried and unmoved by anything happening in our world today because He is in control. Our anxiety and worry are never too much for God to bear, if He can hold up the universe, He can hold up under your stress.

D.A. Carson “I have yet to meet a chronic worrier who enjoys an excellent prayer life”

Too often the simple answer is the right answer. Want to be less anxious? Sit at the feet of the God of the universe and unload your problems. Our culture spends so much money in therapy because it is nice to unload our baggage onto others, how much greater knowing we can unload on the One who truly cares, who can truly fix it, and Who will truly listen.

Thankful for Everything

Not only do we make all our requests in prayer be made known to God, but we are to do this with an attitude of thanksgiving. Do you know why we are so anxious about the future? Because we are worried about what more we need to do or be? What do we need to do to avoid or bring about a desired future? Who do we need to become to avoid or bring about a desired future? Honestly, these are great questions to ask because it drives us towards bettering ourselves and our lives.

The danger enters when we are not content and thankful for what we have and think it will come with what we get. Instead, the Bible compels us to be thankful for all God has given us and provides for us. When was the last time you were thankful that you still have a roof over your head, that you can afford food, that you have friends and family in your life, that you have regular access to a shower…those all sound so basic, but its luxuries that much of the world and people throughout history never had and we take for granted! Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a jail cell! If anyone could be worried and anxious it would be him, but he just kept praying and being thankful.

Peace in Everything

When we start praying about everything and being thankful for everything that God has given us, the truth of God continues to transform us. The amazing thing about this truth is it brings with it a peace that surpasses all understanding and it forms a protection over our heart and mind. A protection from worry. A protection from anxiety. A protection from the lies of Satan and our sinful desires that only deceive. God never intended for us to have this mental unrest, He has always desired peace for us so we can experience true joy in Him.

The mental state of our culture truly scares me when I look at how big the problem is…when I think of how myself, my wife, my kids, and my church family will navigate such a tough terrain. But amazingly when I look at God…when I read His word…when I fall on my knees before Him…that daunting problem seems so small. Anxiety will not magically go away, but the good news is we don’t need it to, we just need to recognize the God of the Universe who saves us from our sins will not go away either and He is always available for us to find rest in Him.

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961