Multiple times lately I’ve been
frustrated by the things I see written by pastors and Christian
authors on the subject of anxiety. It usually goes something like
this: Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:25, “Do not be anxious” and
Paul repeats that command in Philippians 4:6. Therefore, when we are
anxious we are exhibiting a lack of faith and are sinning by breaking
that command. While there is a measure truth there, I think many
authors overstate the case. In part, I think that is due to the wide
variety of experiences that are referred to by the word “anxiety”
both scripturally and in our lives today.
I noticed this week another comment
that Paul made in Philippians 2:28 (ESV) regarding Epaphroditus: “I
am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at
seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.” In addition,
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:28, “And, apart from other things,
there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the
churches.” Should this then be interpreted as Paul confession his
sin and repenting of his anxiety? I don’t think so. There is no
indication of that being the case.
Even when Jesus spoke to Martha in
Luke 10:41-42, He didn’t tell her she needed to repent. He said,
“You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is
necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken
away from her.” It was a gentle correction, not condemnation.
Likewise, when ministering to people who are anxious for whatever
reason, it is not helpful to tell them “You’re sinning and need
to repent.” Nor is it helpful to say, “You just need to trust
God.” Throwing cliches at the person does not fix anything, and in
fact may contribute to greater anxieties about lack of faith.
Anxieties, fears, and concerns exist
for a reason. God made us with natural physical, mental, and
emotional responses to danger in order protect ourselves. He also
gave us logical minds to help us plan for the future and think
through how we should respond to potential circumstances. However, in
a fallen world, our bodies and minds do not always function as they
should, and our responses are often out of proportion to reality.
Some of our responses to anxiety can be sinful and do need to be
confessed and changed, but many others need simple encouragement and
counsel to deal with the sources of anxiety and to learn better
coping methods.
This has really hit home with me
lately as I’ve coped with the fallout of watching my house be
broken into before Christmas. The lingering fears are greater than
logic would justify. Though steps for greater home security have been
implemented at my house, nothing can totally eliminate the anxiety.
In no way do I believe my anxiety is sinful or reflects any lack of
faith. I know God is in control and He is with me in every situation,
and I trust Him to take care of me. (Incidentally, PTSD is not
limited to military personnel and has a wide variety of causes,
symptoms, and intensities.)
As I shared with my pastor recently,
faith is worked out and grows through testing. None of us have
perfect faith yet. In my opinion, anxiety is an opportunity to grow
in faith in the midst of painful and divided thoughts and emotions.
God can and will use difficult events and circumstances to develop
our faith and teach us to depend on Him more fully one day at a time.
“This is my comfort in my
affliction, that Your promise gives me life” (Psalm 119:50).
Text and photo © 2019
Dawn Rutan. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views
of my church or employer.
