WORRY - a Biblical Perspective
by
Diane M. Hunt, M.S., M.A.
Director of Women’s Addiction Ministries & Family Counseling
Anxiety, depression and chemical abuse are
the top three emotional/mental health issues
today, respectively.1 Worry, anxiety and fear are
prevalent problems facing men, women and
children alike in our American culture. Although
many (not all) in the medical community
would have us believe that anxiety and fear
are caused by chemical imbalances, the Bible
indicates another possible cause. That is not to
deny that chemical imbalances exist but that it is
not the only nor even the primary explanation
for these common and sometimes debilitating
problems. The Bible speaks specifically about
worry, anxiety and fear.
For example, Matthew
6:34 says, "Therefore, do not worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own
things."2 Philippians 4:6 says, "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." Isaiah 41:10
says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed,
for I am your God, I will strengthen you,
yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand."
If the Bible commands us
not to worry, be anxious or fearful, then it must
be possible to actually do so, and failing to do so
could very well be a spiritual problem rather
than a physical one. "Fear, worry, and anxiety
are sins which can paralyze your mind, immobilize
your body, and hinder your growth in
Christ. ...Satan, not God, is behind these
obstacles to spiritual maturity; but God has
graciously given you all that is necessary to
overcome them."3
Worry is regarding things future. It is undue
concern about future events though it may be
rooted in past experiences. An all too familiar
question asked by a worried mind is "What if.?" Do you realize that the "What if.?"
question does have an answer that few of us
remember. We tend to stop with the "What
if.?" instead of going on to the answer, which
is."then God." What if.? Then God's grace
will be sufficient. ".My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2
Corinthians 12:9)
"Both anxiety and
worry spring from
natural and legitimate
concerns that
are part of life in this
world. But legitimate
concerns are
handled wrongly
when they do one or
more of the following:
(1) become dominating concerns in our life
and lead to fear; (2) destroy our perspective on
life and cause us to forget that God exists and
cares; or (3) move us to drift into an attitude of
constant worry and concern over a future we
cannot control." Lawrence O. Richards
Let's look at three basic issues that can lead to
worry, anxiety, and fear:
1. A LACK OF TRUST IN GOD How would you answer the question, "How
trustworthy is God?" Take a look at the evidence
of your life and consider the question not from
what you know is true in your head but what
you really believe in your heart? Does your life
demonstrate that you really trust God? Conisder
the statement, "Fear begins with the belief, 'I am
no longer in control,' while faith begins with the
belief, 'My loving heavenly Father is in control.'"
Aren't worry and anxiety the result of not
trusting God? Your faith is not so much what
you know to be true in your head but rather
what your life proves you believe in your heart.
2. UNBELIEF That may shock you because, after all, you
believe in God. That is not the question, the
question is, "Do you believe God?" You can be a
genuine believer in Jesus Christ yet fail to take
Him at His word. For instance, Psalm 55:22,
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall
sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to
be moved." Other oft-quoted verses include,
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work
together for good to those who love God, to those
who are the called according to His purpose." Do
you not only believe IN God but believe Him?
If you really believe Him, what are you worried
or anxious about that He doesn't already have
under control?
3. LIVING LIFE TO PLEASE SELF
RATHER THAN TO PLEASE GOD
NO WAY! That is the reaction of most people
when they hear that statement, so your reaction
may not have been far from that. To make the
point, take a few minutes and either mentally or
on a piece of paper make a list of the things that
cause you the most worry and anxiety. How
many of those things include concern about how
they will impact you? One of the most effective
and immediate weapons against anxiety is calling
to mind that "life is not about me, but about
Thee."
PRESCRIPTION FOR CHANGE
There are some very practical steps you can take
to start reclaiming your thoughts and pursue
change.
You must reclaim your thought life. John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shallmake you free." Worrisome and anxious thoughts
lead to physical and emotional feelings of worry
and anxiety. What you think about today will
determine how you feel.
Begin with repentance. If worry and anxiety are
sin, the best place to start is with repentance,
agreeing with God that your offense is against
Him because you are failing to trust, believe and
live for Him. Isaiah 30:15 NIV, "In repentance
and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is
your strength."
Choose to believe. Hebrews
11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen." Take God at
His word, whether you see it or feel it or not.
Customize your weaponry by memorizing
Scripture that addresses your specific thoughts.
For instance, if you are fearful of world events,
memorize Psalm 46:1-2, "God is our refuge and
strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore
we will not fear, even though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst
of the sea." Perhaps you worry about being alone;
memorize Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with
you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold
you with My righteous right hand." Give thanks
in all things. A heart of thankfulness and
gratitude will eventually overtake a heart of
worry. Verbalize thanksgiving and praise even
when you don't feel it. Never cease to be thankful.
See Philippians 4:6 referenced above.
Finally, consciously choose to live for Christ,
daily. Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is
Christ."
A life free of worry and anxiety is a life full of
trust and peace.
FOOTNOTES
1 Day by Day, Anderson and Quarrles
2 Scripture references are taken from the New King
James Version of the Bible
3 Self-Confrontation Manual, Biblical Counseling
Foundation
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Anxiety Attacked
by John MacArthur, Jr.
Praying God's Word
by Beth Moore
Breaking Free: Making Liberty
in Christ a Reality in Life
by Beth Moore
Printable Version |
