THE PANDEMIC OF ANXIETY (2)
TOPIC: THE PANDEMIC OF ANXIETY (2)
TEXT: PSALM 55:1-23
The first step toward solving the problem of anxiety is simply to remember these two rules: First, instead of worrying about something that can be changed, we should change it! Second, if something cannot be changed, then why worry about it? The idea is embodied in a well-known prayer which is now circulated in several versions. The original was “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”
The Scriptures teach us to take care of problems that are solvable (see Matthew 5:23, 24), and Jesus said that worrying will not add an hour to anyone’s life (Matthew 6:27). He taught that we should not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), implying that we should not be anxious about things we cannot change or about problems that we cannot solve. Of course, that rule is much easier to say than to do. How can we implement it? When we find ourselves worrying inordinately, what should we do?
First, we must determine the cause of the anxiety. Anxiety, almost by definition, involves an elusive sense of unease that constantly troubles the person who experiences it. The first step toward relieving intense feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness, or anxiety is to try to understand the reason for them. Hidden causes of anxiety may also relate to experiences from the past or concerns about the future. Whatever the cause, it must be recognized before the worrier has any hope of dealing with it.
Second, when the cause is recognized, we need to do what we can to remedy it. If a broken relationship with one’s parents is the underlying cause of anxiety, it is necessary to try to mend that relationship. If a woman is anxious about her health, she should go to the doctor. If a man is concerned about the future, he needs to do what he can (begin saving money, for instance) to take care of his family’s needs in the future. A person who made a major mistake in the past should do whatever can be done to remedy that mistake. An employee who has general anxiety because of a problem at work can do one of several things: (1) try to improve his competency at his job, (2) talk to his superiors at work to see what he can do to solve the problem, or (3) look for another job. Anxiety, like pain, has some value in calling our attention to a need. When we recognize the cause of our anxiety, we can take constructive steps to remedy the situation.
A Christian should not worry because Christ is always there, He promise to be with you (Matthew 28:18–20) and that nothing in this world or out of it can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35b, 38, 39). With God on your side, you can successfully overcome anything and anyone that stands against you (see Romans 8:31)! Therefore, you can live free from worry!
Word Affirmation: “If God be for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31 (Don't just say it, mean it!)
“With God on your side, you can successfully overcome anything and anyone that stands against you."
Central Truth