Answering AnxietySýnishorn

Answering Anxiety Requires a Work

If the answer to anxiety seems too simple, the application of that answer requires the hard work of sanctification. 

When we are weighed down with an anxious heart, work is the last thing we want. We desire rest, not work. But any other way of describing the path to this solution would be dishonest.

God is at work in His people as He transforms us into the image of His Son. This work includes what goes on in our minds and hearts. So, we can’t simply acknowledge that our need is humility, and that humility casts its cares on God. We must ask what that looks like and whether we are putting it into practice.

Perhaps the Lord will show us areas in our lives where we were not aware of pride. We may gain insight into why our hearts are so full of troubles.

The good news is, in the same place where we are pointed to the answer for anxiety, we are also given insight into what it means to humble ourselves before the Lord.

One big way that believers often struggle with humility is in having a right relationship to authority. Peter speaks specifically to those who are younger, as elders in the church are usually older than most of the congregation. Young people often chafe at authority. That is why young men (especially) are encouraged to submit themselves to the elders.

That is an expression of humility. Submission to human authority recognizes that in human authority you meet with the mighty hand of God. 

The book of Romans tells us that existing authorities have been ordained by God.

Do you believe that God is to be trusted when He tells us in His Word that He ordained human authority structures and that He is at work through them? Do you believe that even when we have unjust authority over us, we are still to be a submissive people, so far as possible? 

How many people’s worries would go away if they really believed God was at work in their lives through the person who is over them right now in a position of authority?

Similarly, multitudes of worries would go away in the lives of people in authority if they would say to themselves, “Lord, You have ordained that I should lead this people. I am responsible to honor You and to glorify You in the way that I lead them. And Lord, if I have done my best, that is all that I can do.”

So, submission to authority is an expression of humility, and a proper view and a proper use of authority is an expression of humility.