Anxiety (Part 3): Biblical Teachings On Anxiety-Free-Life Series

In the past two weeks, we have learned about anxiety from the perspective of the Bible and therapists, various types of anxiety, its symptoms, and the factors that cause it. As said before, anxiety caused by chemicals in the brain or hormone problems (clinical anxiety) needs to get treatment from doctors. But many anxieties are caused by nonclinical factors. Today we will conclude this sermon series on "anxiety" with how to enjoy anxiety-free life biblically.

Anxiety is a thief; it steals our thoughts, peace, joy, and confidence in the Lord. In Greek, anxiety means dividing, separating, cutting into pieces, and tearing apart the mind. That is what anxiety does to you, and me, and it divides your mind between constructive and destructive thoughts and takes your mind in two different directions.

Illustration: A wife had anxious thoughts that dominated her mind day in and day out for years. One night, her husband heard a noise in the house, so he went downstairs to investigate. When he got there, he found a burglar. The husband said, "Hey, could you come upstairs and meet my wife? She has been waiting ten years to meet you." Of course, it's just humor. But remember, a thief will steal from you once, but anxiety can steal from you for decades.

Sadly, today many Americans suffer from anxiety. Recently, a world mental health survey on anxiety in 14 countries found that Americans were the most anxious people in all of the 14 countries studied. We have more clinically significant anxiety levels than those in Nigeria, Lebanon, and Ukraine. In the last three decades, anxiety disorders have jumped 1200%.

In his book 'Anxiety Free,' Dr. Robert Leahy, ' one psychologist, says, "The average American teenager today exhibits the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient did in the 1950s." So that gives you some feel for where we are on the anxiety level, and that's our country. So, what are Americans so worried about?

According to the Gallup organization, these are the top five:

#1 – Personal Income (Financial)

#2 – The Social Security System (Future)

#3 – Possible Terrorist Attacks (Safety)

#4 – Health Care Availability in the future (Health)

#5 – Race relations (Relationship)

Bible Advice To Live An Anxiety-Free Life (Learn from Jesus, Peter, and Paul)

We thank God because the Bible does not only talk about heaven but also addresses anxiety. For example, two weeks ago, we learned how Jesus taught us not to worry or be anxious in Matthew 6:25-34. He reminds us that we are God's most precious creations. More than that, we are His children. Our heavenly Father loves us and will surely take good care of us. What we need to do is to seek first His Kingdom and its righteousness.

Apostle Peter, one of the disciples who was freaking out in the storm – full of anxiety – waking Jesus up and saying, "Don't you care that we are going to die…" wrote to believers who he says in chapter 1 were scattered. They were Christians who had to leave their family and hometown because of persecution. Many had to leave their friends, lost their jobs, and had their possessions seized because of their faith. That was the situation of Christians who were receiving this teaching on anxiety. Their circumstances would seem to create a lot of stress, fear, and anxiety in their lives. But this is what Peter told them to do in 1 Peter 5:5b-7 – "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Peter knew they had a lot of reasons for anxiety. That is why he told them to cast all their anxiety on God. But before telling that, Peter told them first to humble themselves under God. Hudson Taylor, missionary to China and founder of what is today known as the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, gave this excellent advice: "Let us give up our work, our plans, ourselves, our lives, our loved ones, our influence, our all, right into [God's] hand; and then, when we have given all over to Him, there will be nothing left for us to be troubled about."

People who think they are experienced, intelligent, strong, and capable tend to rely on their ability and try to handle their situation with their strength. They are too proud to cast their anxieties on God, so they often suffer from anxiety and fear. According to the apostle Peter, the first step to bringing our anxiety to God is to humble ourselves before Him and acknowledge our need for His help.