Find Freedom from Anxiety – Part 1

More people may be dealing with anxiety today than in any previous generation. At least more of us are aware of it―in this age of technology-inspired globalisation, we are exposed to an endless flow of social media and news from around the world. 

The causes of anxiety are diverse, from a heightened awareness of actual and potential catastrophe to a stream of advertisements reminding us what others have and we don’t.

Support organisation Beyond Blue reports that 26.3% of Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced an anxiety disorder. This is 4.96 million Australians. One in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-abuse problems according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. 

It is also more acceptable to talk about anxiety and seek help… that is a good thing! A healthy level of anxiety increases our sense of awareness and performance, but many of us struggle to keep anxiety to a constructive level.

Three common causes of anxiety are traumatic experiences, catastrophic thinking and the example of others, including parents and friends. Well-meaning mums and dads constantly worrying – for example, about germs, getting fat or stranger danger – and talking about it all the time, can cause a child to grow up with anxiety around that issue. 

You need to know when you experience anxiety:

• It is not a sin, but neither is it from God.
• You are not a bad person.
• Jesus did not come for perfect people―he came for people who do not have it all together.
• If you are a Christian, you are not a lousy Christian for having feelings of anxiety.
• God can give you wisdom and peace.

Philippians shows us the Biblical pathway from anxiety to freedom. We will look at five steps along this pathway in Find Freedom from Anxiety – Part 2.