Dear Mentor, I am anxious. Does that mean I am not a strong Christian?
When I Feel Anxious
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4: 6-7
Dear Christian Mentor,
I am struggling with anxiety and worry. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6 not to be anxious about anything, but I always feel anxious. My anxiety makes me feel fearful, worried and panicked. I often think of worst-case scenarios, which keep me up at night. As a result, I wonder if I am not a strong Christian or if I lack faith because of my anxiety. I feel like God might be disappointed in me because I have trouble trusting Him.
I am confused about the Bible's meaning when it says not to be anxious about anything. Are most Christians not worried about anything because they have a strong faith? I don't want to be anxious. I want to be free from anxiety, but I don't know how to achieve that.
Dear Mentee,
Let me start by saying that being anxious does not mean you aren't a strong Christian or that your faith is weak. The fact that you are asking how to process your anxiety as a Christian shows your strong faith.
Philippians 4:6 is a well-known Bible verse. I've seen it stitched on the pillows and engraved on coffee mugs. I have heard many sermons preached on it, but this verse is sometimes difficult to wrap my mind around. "Don't be anxious about anything" feels like an impossible command, and I don't think I am alone in this struggle. Living in a fallen world, I believe all of us, including me, have some level of anxiety. Anxiety has a way of sneaking up on us and growing deeper if not addressed. I know that I can move from being anxious to feeling panicked and trapped in a matter of minutes. Recently, the four words right before Philippians 4:6 gave me peace. "The Lord is near." ~ Philippians 4:5. When I read this, I shifted my focus from the impossible task of not being anxious to the promise that our Almighty God, who is in control of all things, is near me.
I may not know what to do about my anxious situation, but God does, and He is near and in control. This brings me peace while still amid unsettled feelings. When we name our anxiety to the Lord, we are releasing its hold on us and allowing God to grow our faith in the midst of our struggles.
Breath Prayer
Inhale: I am anxious about _________
Exhale: The Lord is near.
Praying for your peace and comfort,
~ Christian Mentor
