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Fear and Faith
There is little dispute that 2020 was a difficult year full of extraordinary events that struck fear and anxiety into American's hearts. A raging pandemic and economic recession followed by a contested election that spurred a dramatic insurrection, were just a few of the incidents that left tensions high nationwide. According to a a survey conducted by a company called, “Safe Home” that specializes in home security here is a list of the top 10 fears for 2021 of Americans: #1 Loved ones dying, #2 Loved ones becoming seriously ill, #3 Mass shootings, #4 Not having enough money for retirement, #5 Terrorism, #6 Government corruption, #7 Becoming terminally ill, #8 Hate crimes, #9 High medical bills, #10 Widespread civil unrest.
2020 has been labeled the most stressful year on record, and rampant anxiety has become a national mental health emergency. For 2021 It appears that the situation has not significantly improved. For some people worry and anxiety can create major problems in life. Some of us come by it honestly. For some, it’s a family trait – it’s in our blood, it is a learned trait. Some of us acquire issues with anxiety over the course of life’s many obstacles. Anxiety and worry can be like anchors that keep you from getting anywhere. Yet it shouldn’t be that way. As Christians, we have the means to live a life that can be free from anxiety. So what does the bible have to say about fear, worry and anxiety?
Matthew 6:27 NIV Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Anxiety is noncompliant with God’s Word. The Bible is full of commands about anxiety: Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). Let not your hearts be troubled (John 14:1). Do not be dismayed (Joshua 1:9). Isaiah 41:10 says Fear not. This is also commanded 364 other times in scripture. So there is one command per day to remind you that should not have fear in your life. Simply put, it’s not possible to be overcome by fear and to wholeheartedly trust in God. It’s like oil and water. The scriptural solution to anxiety is to have a disciplined mind that focuses on Christ. Here are five ways that can help you to deal with your anxiety and change your focus from your own problems to Christ.
#1 Change your thinking. Become more aware of the circumstances that trigger your anxiety and fear. Acknowledge your feelings and make intentional choices to shift your focus to Christ. Acknowledge that He is sufficient to help you and free you from whatever makes you feel anxious.
#2 Be Thankful. Studies have proven that those who are thankful live longer, happier lives. Start a gratitude journal, write a letter of thankfulness, serve at a local charity, or spend some time in purposeful prayer of gratitude to God.
#3 Practice Self Care. Prioritize physical exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and connection with other people. Find the activities that give you joy and energy, and make time for them without apology. Take care of yourself.
#4 Make Room for Joy. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. Laughter is also good for your heart and your immune system and it relaxes the whole body.
#5 Seek Christian Counseling. Christian Counseling is an excellent place to start facing whatever it is that has you feeling anxious or worried. With the help of a good Christian counselor, you can begin to begin to deal with and even eliminate fear and anxiety.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
