Lamentations 6:Anxiety

Anxiety is fear:

unrest, dread, worry

at a level that is not proportionate to the threat

And we learn to live with this fear

Anxiety is caused by:

external sources

bad health

modeling

trauma

Symptoms of Anxiety:

inability to relax,

rapid heartbeat,

dry mouth,

jumpiness,

constant anticipation of trouble

We can see the causes of anxiety in Lamentations

Lamentations 4:18 (ESV)

They dogged our steps

so that we could not walk in our streets;

our end drew near; our days were numbered,

for our end had come.

Lamentations 5:10 (ESV)

Our skin is hot as an oven

with the burning heat of famine.

Lamentations 3:1–3 (ESV)

I am the man who has seen affliction

under the rod of his wrath;

he has driven and brought me

into darkness without any light;

surely against me he turns his hand

again and again the whole day long.

Lamentations 3:17–20 (ESV)

my soul is bereft of peace;

I have forgotten what happiness is;

so I say, “My endurance has perished;

so has my hope from the Lord.”

Remember my affliction and my wanderings,

the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it

and is bowed down within me.

So what can we do?

Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

2 Corinthians 5:7–8 ESV

for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Conclusion

We have an ally who we can trust with everything

We have the church who should provide comfort

But we have to take a look at ourselves and be honest