Anxiety, Being Human, And The God Of Peace

Struggling with anxiety is a byproduct of being human. Anxiety, which is essentially a strain of fear, is a common response to real pressures and problems. Anybody can experience life-interrupting moments of anxiety. In our post-Covid world, the upheaval and loss and changes that we’ve all endured have been like a jackhammer, tearing away at our security layer by layer. Even the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace Himself, didn’t dismiss the difficulties of this life. “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” He admitted (Matthew 6:34 NIV). “In this world you will have trouble,” He said (John 16:33 NIV). Even Jesus’ soul could be troubled (see John 12:27).

Anxiety disorders comprise the most common mental illness in America, affecting anywhere from 25 to 30 percent of adults. Whether or not you fall within that number—clinically speaking—a full 100 percent of us worry about life every day. Perhaps you also know from personal experience how anxiety in its many forms can stop or hinder your joy, stamina, enthusiasm, confidence, and wellness. Whatever your circumstances, whatever your genetic predispositions, whatever your personality or background, you are capable of pressing toward the goal of greater wholeness.

Medical help, nutrition, exercise, rest, and good habits can make a big difference in how we handle stress, but these alone are incapable of reaching the hidden depths of the soul. We must attack anxiety on the basis of spiritual truth. God expects—and equips—us to fight this affliction with every available spiritual weapon. Nothing can replace a spiritual foundation based on the Lord Jesus Christ. No therapy in the world can match the theology of the Bible or the healing in its words. What has taken the comfort of God’s Word to the next level in my life has been learning to make the promises and truths of Scripture a part of my regular routine.

As the Bible reminds us, the missing pieces for most people in their personal arsenal are the peace of God and the God of peace. Let’s look at what God has to say about dealing with anxiety and opening yourself to His overwhelming peace. Paul, in Philippians 4:6–9 reminds the faithful that it is possible to erase anxious thoughts and compose our minds with peace as we put biblical ideals into practice. The word practice implies we must go to work developing certain skills until we are proficient. Through the example of Paul and other biblical writers, we can learn habits that contribute toward a gradual and glorious experience with the God of peace.

The Bible teaches us that we can make progress; we can move from fretfulness to faithfulness. While there are good reasons to be concerned in today’s world, there are better reasons not to be. God doesn’t want us to be weakened by worry but fortified by grace. We will look at these habits in the following readings, but for now face this day with the following benediction: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV).

Respond

In what ways have you experienced anxiety? What help have you sought to cope with your stress and worry?

Why is spiritual truth key to dealing with anxiety and experiencing peace?

What specific worries do you want to tackle going forward? How will you invite the God of peace into this battle?