As a counselor, I hear this question a lot. Even from friends or fellow church members outside the space of the counseling room. Anxiety is a very normal part of our human experience.
But why?
God makes it so clear in Scripture that not only should we not be anxious, but that we have no reason to be anxious. Consider passages in Matthew 6:25-34 or Philippians 4:6-7. “Be anxious for nothing,” dear Christian.
And yet so many of us are! Why?
Why such anxiety?
In counseling, I always explore a few possibilities with clients. Of course, there are sometimes biological components to anxiety, and medications can sometimes help with this. But there are many elements of anxiety that we can directly influence ourselves. Let me suggest a few here, along with some Scriptures to consider memorizing and meditating upon.
Anxiety comes from perceived lack of support. When we feel alone or isolated, we tend to be more anxious. Of course, we are never truly alone. God is with us. Consider 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 34:4, and John 14:27.
Anxiety comes from negative words (in our own thought life or from others). When we repeatedly focus on the negative, we start to believe it. This often starts a spiral of worry, doubt, self-criticism, and ultimately anxiety. Consider Proverbs 12:25, Psalm 94:19, and Philippians 4:5-8.
Anxiety comes from unbalanced perspective. When we over-focus on this world, we under-focus on God. And He is the reason that we never need to be anxious: He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, all-sufficient. This world is none of those things. Consider Matthew 6:35-34, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, and Matthew 11:28-30.
If you are struggling with anxiety, you are not alone. Take time consider the background of your anxiety. Cast your cares on Jesus, who gives you rest. And if you think that you need a little extra help to overcome this anxiety, know that we at iHope are always here for you to provide counsel from a Christian worldview.