Theology & Life

Dear Anxious Christian,

God cares for you. He tells us as much in 1 Peter 5:7. Do you truly believe that? Do you believe God, the sovereign one, cares for you? If so, you must remember some things.

God knows what you’re going through; He’s not aloof nor does He misunderstand what is going on in your life. It’s not as if He is unaware of the trial you’re walking through. He knows and He cares.

What is causing anxiety in your heart? What is producing that worry and stress and concern? Whatever it is—whether finances, marriage, or other types of stressors—you must remember the Lord calls us to not be “anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6). I know, I know—easier said than done. And it is! But it can be done, with the Spirit’s help. You don’t have to be thrown by the winds of anxiety; you don’t have to succumb to the violent waves of worry and stress; you don’t have to drown in the depths of despair and concern.

What you must not do is dwell on your anxiety. Please note, my attempt is not to give you medical advice. Getting on or off medication is something to consult with your doctor and pastor. Back to the point. Perhaps your anxiety comes when you least expect it, but that doesn’t mean you let it take full reign over your heart. Remember the promises of Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:25-34. The Lord takes care of you even in the pit of anxiety. He doesn’t want you to be anxious—you have no reason to be! The pressures of life pale in comparison to the sovereign and comforting embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Here’s another thing to consider, and I hope and pray you take this to heart. Much of your anxiety—and even mine—is a problem of sin. Jesus tells us that our anxiety stems from unbelief (Matthew 6:30b). “O you of little faith” is a clear indication that our anxiety is a result of unbelief. So, anxious Christian, you might examine where your trust is.

Oswald Chambers, a late theologian, once said, “All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.” In other words, we attempt to live life apart from God’s guidance and sovereignty. When we navigate life without trusting in God’s plan, purpose, and providence, anxiety swells up in our hearts in an instant.

I know that’s tough to hear. But, anxious Christian, you must remember the effects of sin. Our sin seeps into every aspect of life—even our mental health. If you are anxious all the time, it’s certainly possible you need to get help from a doctor, I truly believe that; it’s also very possible you need to trust in the Lord. When you become anxious, it reveals you’re not trusting the Lord with some aspect of your life. And please hear me, I’m speaking of the anxiety that springs from unbelief.

Let me explain further. If I’m anxious about a new career opportunity and obsess over getting a different job, and become anxious about whether I’ll be selected or not, I am distrusting the Lord. Why? Because my actions and thoughts reveal I don’t truly believe, at least in that moment, that the Lord has the best in mind for me regardless of what happens. In that moment, I’m living life without regarding the Lord, and that causes anxiety to surge. That’s sin and needs to be repented of.

If you’re constantly anxious about what you’re going to eat for your next meal, you’re not trusting God to provide. Is it good and right to make sure you have food to eat? Of course! But it’s when we become anxious over it is when distrust in God’s provision comes into play.

So, anxious Christian, remember this: God cares for you. He loves you. He provides for you. He looks after you. He is near to you. He has not and will not abandon you. When you believe those things with an undivided heart, it’s very difficult to become anxious. Take heart, and rest in Christ.

Sincerely,

Blake (another anxious Christian)