Managing Anxiety
By Pastor Andrew Chan, PBC, Oct.28, 2001
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.” Pro.12:25 (NKJV)
Scene from "Meet the Parents" movie -
Girl brings home boy to meet her parents. U can hear the words "Anxiety Attack" going through the boy’s mind! Girl greeted by HER father and mother and they have a great reunion, they do their "family" hugs and kisses which seems to last an eternity while the poor guy is left standing on the outside... Feel for the guy eh?
Six in 10 Americans Worried About Becoming a Victim of Terrorism:
Americans are much more worried today about becoming a victim of terrorism than they were after the Oklahoma City bombing six years ago. The current poll shows 60% of Americans saying they are either "very" or "somewhat" worried that they or someone in their family will become a victim, compared with 42% who expressed that view in April 1995, shortly after the Oklahoma City bombing. Last year, at the fifth anniversary of that bombing, only 24% said they were worried.
And I believe the figures are even higher now!
An average person’s anxiety is focused on :
40% -- things that will never happen
30% -- things about the past that can’t be changed
12% -- things about criticism by others, mostly untrue
10% -- about health, which gets worse with stress
8% -- about real problems that will be faced
How can we deal with the reality of anxiety? How can we live without worry in times like these?
A. There is no denying anxiety
Even the Bible admits it:
1 Listen to my prayer, O God.
Do not ignore my cry for help!
2 Please listen and answer me,
for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
3 My enemies shout at me,
making loud and wicked threats.
They bring trouble on me,
hunting me down in their anger.
4 My heart is in anguish.
The terror of death overpowers me.
5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me.
I can’t stop shaking.
6 Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove;
then I would fly away and rest!
7 I would fly far away
to the quiet of the wilderness. Ps. 55 1-7 (NLT)
Ever wish you can just fly away, away from people, problems. Identify with the PRESSURE?
Jesus even guarantees it...
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows…”John 16:33 (NLT)
There’s even a reward for it...
The Reward of Anxiety - depression
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression…” Pro.12:25 (NKJV)
“An anxious heart weighs a man down…” Pro 12:25 (NIV)
Or rather the reward is worthless...
Our worry only makes matters worse. Anxiety is worthless.
There is zero value in worry. It does nothing good for us. The words of Jesus express this truth completely: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matt. 6:27 (NIV)
Our anxiety about difficulties only creates more problems. Our anxiety adds additional stress to our lives.
“Worry pulls tomorrow’s cloud over today’s sunshine.” C. Swindoll, Questions Christians Ask,
B. God has offered us His good/kind Word
“… but a kind word cheers him up.” Pro 12:25 (NIV)
“But a good word makes it glad.” Pro.12:25 (NKJV)
1. God gives us His promises
i. Good word tells us He is with us!
“Never will I leave, Never will I forsake you” Heb.13:5 (NIV)
ii. Good word is not only is with us, He is for us!
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jer.29:11 (NIV)
iii. Good word also says: He enjoys us being with him as family.
“3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. 4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. Eph.1:6-9 (NLT)
iv. Good word also says: Our sins are forgiven!
6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.9 God’s secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure.” Eph.1:6-9 (NLT)
“LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. I am counting on the LORD;
yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” Ps.130:3-4 (NLT)
v. Good word says: we have nothing to fear from God, if we trust Him.
“For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.” Zeph.3:17 (NLT)
2. Good news – God always keeps His word
“if God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom.8:31(NIV)
Testimony: It is amazing how many times God has come to rescue me in time of need with kind words for God’s people just when I needed it. So my counsel is... practice kind words to each other, u don’t know how much it can do to heal wounds and how God can use your words to bring His kind word to others.
C. Coming to Terms with Anxiety
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
One word describes these words: Surrender! Have you surrendered everything to God? So that God can do this amazing thing called “guarding your heart and mind.” He will be vigilant, watching over you, in midst of anxious moments? Will u go to Him?
Conclusion
Today, if you have a burden that you have been carrying, give it over to God. If you have a difficulty that you cannot bear, give it over to God. If you have a problem that seems impossible to solve, give it over to God. Like a sack of potatoes, heave, cast your cares upon God. He’s big enough to take it all!
So…“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
