“The longest year in history” is the title given to 2020. COVID created fear, shut down the world, life was disrupted by economic issues and school closures. It spawned racial tension, political division, and conspiracy theories. People were isolated, unsettled, lonely, anxious, and longing for normal, calm, and peace. It took a toll on the mental health of the general populace. Studies show that from 2019-2020 anxiety increased in adults from 8.2% to 36%. Amid teens 42% struggled with anxiety in 2021 and that has risen to 57%. No doubt the isolation and lack of personal socialization started the upward trend which is continuing. It’s at a critical point and it’s deeply disturbing. We all have anxious moments and situations; however, many are paralyzed by anxiety. It plagues their minds, disrupts their sleep, and causes growing mental and physical issues. Treatment of anxiety has many aspects—physical, mental, and spiritual. A holistic approach is usually the best way to deal with anxiety, but let’s zero in on the spiritual things we can do to get control of anxiety.

Scriptures – Philippians 4:6-7; Mark 14:32-36

Verse – 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. (Ph 4:6-7)

Thought – Being anxious is not a sin; however, failure to deal with it can lead to sin. It’s best to get a handle on it sooner rather than later. Jesus is the best example of how to deal with anxiety. Yes, Jesus experienced all the feelings and emotions we experience, yet he did not sin. When the time drew near for Jesus to die on the cross, he experienced extraordinary anxiety. He realized that he would have to endure excruciating pain and suffering to pay the debt for your sins and mine. He would be beaten, stripped, humiliated, and shamed for crimes he did not commit. He would bear in his body the sins of the world (hatred, murder, lust, abuse, all the sins), and experience the isolation that sin causes between man and God. He took the disciples with him to the Garden of Gethsemane and withdrew with his three closest friends…Peter, James, and John. Jesus was deeply distressed and troubled. He asked them to pray for him. He then went a small distance away and prayed that God would take away the impending suffering. He didn’t want to go through with it, and he poured his heart out to God. He told his friends that his distress was so great he thought it would kill him. That’s overwhelming anxiety! Yet, as he continued to pray and seek God, he said, that he was committed to God’s will, and if he must bear this burden, then he would do it. We see 3 things that Jesus did. 1) He talked to his friends and asked for their support, their prayers, their comfort. 2) He talked to God and honestly poured out his feelings. 3) He talked to his feelings and brought them in line with God’s will. He didn’t allow his feelings, emotions, and desires to detour him from completing what he was sent to do. We need to use these steps as a pattern for dealing with anxiety. Don’t simply hide your feelings and pretend while allowing it to eat you up inside. Do what Jesus did and get whatever other help you need as well. God will give you peace in the storm and strength in the dark days.

Questions – Does anxiety ever disturb your sleep? Does anxiety plague you on a regular basis? What symptoms of anxiety do you experience? What tools do you use to deal with anxiety? How has the support of friends and prayer helped? How do you use your faith to inform your emotions so that anxiety isn’t a runaway train?

Response – If you are experiencing anxiety utilize the steps that Jesus used in dealing with his overwhelming situation. If you haven’t consulted a physician, do so. Don’t be ashamed to get the help you need in every area. Spiritual help may be the total solution, or you may need medical or counseling assistance for a while. It’s ok.

Prayer – Dear Lord, help me to keep my thoughts centered on you and your word. I pray that my faith will grow each day as I live in your presence because I know that faith is the victory over anxiety. Not my will but your will be done. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.