Anxiety

Anxiety and the Bible

Matthew 6:25–34 ESV

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

What is Anxiety

Mayo Clinic - Intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.

Anxiety can be normal in stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test. Anxiety is only an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive, all-consuming, and interfere with daily living.

Concern moves you to a healthy action or inaction

Anxiety either cripples you or leads you to an unhealthy action

Side effects of anxiety

- Severe medical effects

- Anxiety hurts your ability to live in the present

- Anxiety hurts your ability to fellowship with God

What causes Anxiety?

a lack of trust in God

Incorrectly prioritizing things

a focus on self

The wrong way to handle anxiety

distraction

seeking the wrong kind of comfrot (substance abuse, seeking attention from boys or girls, gossiping with friends)

trying to take control

The right way to handle anxiety

prayer - talking with God

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

worship - shifting your focus back to where it belongs

Isaiah 35:4 ESV

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

community/confession - bearing burdens together