Anxiety can be a crippling reality for many people, from all walks of life. We often hear about anxiety or perhaps we’ve experienced it firsthand, but what does it really mean?
Here are three definitions:
Oxford Languages defines it as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.”
DSM-5 specifically describes anxiety as excessive worry and apprehensiveness.
The American Psychological Association describes it as an emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. And people with anxiety disorders may experience intrusive thoughts or concerns.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Knowing what it means, and experiencing its symptoms are two different things. So, what are the symptoms of anxiety?
It can be a feeling of immense fear, impending doom, high-stress levels, irritability, compulsive behaviours, intrusive thoughts or concentration difficulties, isolation, and fatigue.
Physically symptoms can include sweaty palms, nausea and digestion problems.
And what does God say about anxiety?
Be anxious for nothing! The Bible teaches over and over in many verses not to be anxious. Some say it is mentioned 365 times; whether or not this is true, it is safe to say that the Bible mentions fear and anxiety often enough that we should probably take it seriously.
Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.” Anxiety is inconsistent with faith and trust in God and this is not God’s best for us.
God offers us something better than anxiety
Although anxiety and fear responses, in general, are a natural process of our brains, it doesn’t mean that it is God’s best for us. On the contrary, God offers us peace even in the storm and rest within the craziness of life.
And on a positive note, we can use the symptoms of anxiety to move ourselves towards healing – an opportunity to dig deeper and find greater peace. So often, we focus on overcoming anxiety. But anxiety points to underlying emotions or pain that needs healing.
Anxiety is our stress response to deeper things that are bothering us.
So, in that sense, we can use anxiety to dive deeper and understand what is genuinely harming us. What are our deeper needs or unmet needs?
Romans 12:2 instructs us to allow God to transform our thinking. In terms of anxiety, although our natural selves are prone to be anxious, we can allow God to transform us into His image and become calmer and more peaceful. We can invite Him to be the potter of our lives, relax, and be the clay, moulded and shaped for His purposes.
Are you excited about the idea of reducing the anxiety in your thoughts?
Philippians 4:-6-7 teaches us the process of reducing our anxiety, which is quite empowering. Take a look at the ideas below, and consider them in your life and circumstances.
- Be anxious for nothing. That means EVERYTHING in my world. Although that may seem impossible, it is clearly stated in His Word, and God doesn’t lie. It is a giant size thought to consider the possibility of living without anxiety!
- Give everything to God in prayer. Giving everything to God in prayer involves trust and faith that God will take care of my concerns and work them out for my good.
Avoid anxiety by entrusting to God the things we cannot control.
There is freedom in recognising the things that we have control and autonomy over and the things that really belong in the hands of God.
It is a worthwhile step to know the difference and hand over the “God issues” so they don’t clutter up our thoughts.
For help processing your thoughts, and realigning them so that you can live with greater healing and freedom, schedule an appointment with me, or sign up for one of my courses.