The answer is a resounding yes. Christians and anxiety often go hand in hand. Not because of a lack of faith, but because we live in a broken world in which many things can impact mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Friends, I cannot believe this is the 400th episode.
When I set out to start the podcast five and a half years ago, I thought I’d share stories of women and men reinventing themselves as entrepreneurs and starting their second phase.
My idea quickly morphed into something more. Not only did I want to inspire others to follow their values, visions, and passions and discover a purpose greater than themselves, but I also wanted to help guide them in this pursuit. Because so much of my focus was on building a business, naturally, the content we created became more about business growth advice and stories of success. We added small doses of faith, mental health, mindset, and wellness to round out the content.
As I was thinking about what to do in celebration of this episode, because I think it is a big deal to make it this far, someone sent me an email.
The email was in response to an email I sent about using journaling as a tool to navigate anxiety. It read: I don't get anxiety, period, if one is of faith in Jesus Christ! Goodbye.
The old me would have quickly hit return and tried to convince him that having faith doesn’t mean you will never have anxiety.
But instead, I thought, 'No, he said goodbye, which made me chuckle; let him go.' People like him cannot be convinced, and it isn’t my job to change his perspective.
Instead, I decided to take advantage of his lack of understanding to create content that could help many.
A perspective like his can cause a person who loves Jesus to feel shame over experiencing anxiety. No one needs an additional reason to feel shame. Living life as a human can result in enough shame, especially when experiencing brain health challenges.
I wonder, as I’m writing this, what your thoughts are? Can one be a Christian and have anxiety?
My thoughts are that as humans, we are not perfect. We are subject to human dysfunctions mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Christians get diabetes. They get cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases. And yes, Christians experience mental health challenges too.
We are not divine; therefore, we can be afflicted by ailments, illnesses, and diseases. To judge a Christian because they have a disease or ailment is simply unkind and results in shame.
The key, for Christians and everyone, is to lean into Christ and our faith to navigate anxiety. When we put all of our trust in earthly solutions, we risk idolatry and anxiety rising. Proverbs 17:3 reminds us, "The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tries hearts." As heat refines gold and silver, God purifies us through challenging experiences such as anxiety and emotional chaos in our lives and relationships.
Having anxiety isn't a punishment. If we choose, we can use it as a way to grow closer to God and allow Him to sanctify and purify us.
Read the full show notes and access all links.
Download 15 Journaling Prompts and Scripture Verses
Download the free eBook: Alleviate Anxiety by Developing Healthy Habits for a Healthy Mind.
