Have you at some point in your life suffered moments of anxiety?
You may feel a little apprehensive, or you may have suffered a disturbing, full-on panic attack that almost cripples you.
In this week’s study, we will discuss anxiety from two perspectives. The first is from Medical Science, and the second is from Christian teaching in the Bible, God’s Word.
MEDICAL SCIENCE.
- Medical science defines anxiety as a natural and automatic emotional response to stress, danger, or pressure, characterised by feelings of unease, worry, or apprehension paired with physical tension.
2. In the Bible, anxiety is defined as a state of inner turmoil, a divided mind, or a distracted heart that stems from worry, fear of the future or self reliance instead of trustng God.
THE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY.
How do you know that you sufffer from anxiety? What does it feel like?
MENTAL SYMPTOMS.
Mental symptoms of dread, fear, nervous anticipation or intrusive and obsessive thoughts about the future.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS.
Physical symptoms can be most distressing.
Causing your heart to race, difficulty in breathing, excessive perspiring, an upset tummy, or trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep.
ANXIETY CAN BE AN UNRECOGNIZED HABIT.
You have lived with it for so long that you cannot recognise it anymore. People around you who know you see its effects loud and clear.
Anxiety should not be a natural part of life, because it affects everything you do and takes a toll on your health.
It will limit what you attempt to do, causing you to step away from your gifts and talents because of nervous reactions such as trembling hands and knees, a dry mouth, and a shaky voice.
It is a tool of Satan to limit the potential that the Lord has placed within you. At the first sign of failure, you give up and settle for second best rationalising your behaviour to your friends, justifying yourself, saying. “It’s alright with God.”
Anxiety affects many areas of life, from performing or singing to playing an instrument, preaching, praying, leading a group or sharing the Gospel with those you don’t know.
“THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGS A SNARE.”
It is a trap that prevents you from rising to your full potential.
We can face our fears and do these things despite our anxiety, keeping in mind that the Holy Spirit will use you, even when you blunder, because God has anointed you to obey His call and do His will.
If only we could get over ourselves and stop worrying about what people think, we would definitely do great exploits for God.
NORMAL ANXIETY.
There is a feeling called normal anxiety: a short-term, helpful reaction that sharpens your focus by motivating careful preparation. ( studying for an exam, practising for a concert, etc)
This will trigger a fight-or-flight response.
A DIAGNOSED ANXIETY DISORDER.
This is a diagnosable condition in which your feelings are excessive, persistent, and out of proportion to the situation, and they interfere with your daily life.
It consumes your every waking moment, progressing into phobias and social anxiety.
FIVE SIGNS THAT REVEAL YOU MAY BE ANXIOUS.
- Excessive, uncontrollable worry over everyday tasks, health, and work. The failure makes it hard to turn off your thoughts.
2. A racing heart, or tightness in the chest, causing you to think you are in the midst of a heart attack.
3. Shortness of breath or hyperventilating.(not getting enough air)
Numbness in the hands, causing them to involuntarily curl up and stiffen, becoming unusable.
This is very distressing, and you feel completely out of control.
All these symptoms lead to what we know as a panic attack.
INSOMNIA AND FATIGUE.
When you struggle to sleep, you wake up repeatedly. This worsens the anxiety and can also lead to a panic attack. You also feel exhausted throughout the day, even after resting.
IRRITABILITY AND DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING.
You are not your happy self; you become short-tempered, reactive to comments, and on edge mentally. Your brain feels foggy, and you find it hard to remember short-term things and focus on everyday tasks.
ANXIETY IN THE BIBLE.
What does the Bible teach about anxiety?
Here are some key Bible terms related to anxiety and their meanings.
- GREEK INTERPRETATION: The Greek word for anxiety is… (Merimnad) translated as “anxious” or ” worry.” It literally means “to be pulled apart” or having a “divided mind.”Read Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:25.
- HEBREW INTERPRETATION. The Hebrew word for anxiety is… (Deagh): It refers to an uneasy dread, agitation, or anxious concern, as seen in Psalm 94:19.
ROOT CAUSES OF ANXIETY FOUND IN SCRIPTURE.
- Lack of faith or unbelief. Jesus connected worry to having “little faith.” (Matthew 6:30)
- This verse shows that anxiety means relying on our own strength rather than on God’s provision.
3. Living in a sin-sick World. Scripture recognises that physical exhaustion, trials, and emotional distress are part of human weakness.
4. Worrying about future difficulties you may face, such as an impending operation or a diagnosis.
Even Bible figures like David, Elijah and even Jesus himself experienced deep distress.
THE CURE FOR ANXIETY.
Mental health institutes offer some effective strategies to manage anxiety in the moment.
- DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING.
Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four. Hold and count another four. Exhale slowly through your mouth to calm your nervous system.
ADMIT YOU ARE ANXIOUS.
Don’t try to hide the fact that you are feeling nervous, worried and depressed by using over-the-counter drugs or alcohol to cover your symptoms. Some people use constant laughter as a shield so they don’t reveal their anxiety.
Running from anxiety only causes it to become worse and makes the world seem to shrink.
THE BIBLE CURE.
You do not have to live with anxiety for the rest of your life.
God’s Word is medicine to your soul.(mind, will and emotions)
Jesus healed all who came to Him. He wants to heal you!
This He accomplished at the cross. He not only paid the price for your redemption but also for your physical and mental well-being.
He lovingly desires that you function as a stable, well-adjusted, and happy person, as He created you.
All Christians can enjoy the abundant life He offers. A miserable, poor-me person will not attract others to Christ.
If you are someone who is so overwhelmed by your circumstances and you feel that no one understands the depth of your anxiety. Don’t quit or give up. Don’t deliberately pull away from people; don’t pull away from God by stopping your Bible reading and church and coming to Him in prayer.
The only way out of that dark hole is to stop your self-pitying and look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.
Ask yourself, “What does my Heavenly Father want me to do?”
Be surprised!
NOTHING!
Because He has done it all. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says,
“COME UNTO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE BURDENED DOWN WITH HEAVY TRIALS (anxieties), AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”
LEARN ABOUT ME, AND YOU WILL FIND REST TO YOUR SOUL.”
The key word here is… do nothing, come to Him and rest in His promises.
Jesus, will fulfil all His promises He has for you.
His peace will flood your soul, the peace that passes all understanding.
John 14:27
“He that clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and gone tomorrow, how much more will He take care of you.”
Allow me to remind you, you cannot do it yourself, on your own.
Come to Him, and He will do the rest.
PRAYER FOR RELEASE FROM ANXIETY.
Come away with me right now, and find a quiet place away from everything and pray this prayer.
“Lord God, I am sorry I have been shutting you out of my life and shunning you by neglecting to read your Word, ceasing to pray and attending Church.
Please forgive me.
“Father, I come back to You, the only One who can remove all my worries and fears.
I throw myself into your arms of love and find my rest in you.
I now accept your will for my life, and no matter how I feel, I will totally trust you with my situation and lay it at the cross in total surrender.
Thank you, Lord, You have seen my tears and heard my prayers.
Deliver me from the Evil one and his demons of fear and worry, and unbelief.
I now stand tall, wearing your Armour of Light, and I will keep on keeping on until the end of time.
“In Jesus Name”
Amen.
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