Transforming Anxiety: A Journey of Faith and Healing
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. My name is Chad, and my wife Erica and I have been serving in Thailand for the past 10-11 years, focusing on binding up the brokenhearted through counseling and art-related ministries. Now, God has called us back to Australia, where we are continuing this mission. Erica is working with autistic children, and I am preparing to start a new counseling ministry called Mend Family Care, in partnership with Where We Baps Church and The Bridge, the church's non-profit ministry.
Today, I want to talk about faith and anxiety. Anxiety seems to be a pervasive issue in our lives, affecting many people around us. The question arises: does anxiety indicate a lack of faith? Is it a sin? We look to Scripture for answers, particularly Jesus' teachings. Jesus said, "Do not be anxious about your life," and Paul echoed this sentiment, advising us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. These verses suggest that faith and anxiety are incompatible, making me feel guilty for my own struggles with anxiety.
However, anxiety is not just a personal issue; it affects our broader culture. It can be seen as a sign of something wrong within us, a deficit. Jesus' interaction with Martha, who was anxious and troubled about many things, highlights that anxiety can be implicit, influencing our actions without us even realizing it. This kind of anxiety can dictate our behaviors, making us work extra hours, gossip, or even withhold love from those close to us.
Anxiety spreads like thermal energy transfer, affecting those around us. When we are anxious, we vibrate, and this vibration impacts others, causing a ripple effect of stress and worry. This is exacerbated by the internet, which acts as an anxiety super spreader, exposing us to the worries and stresses of people far beyond our immediate circle.
Interestingly, Jesus himself experienced anxiety. In his troubled state, he didn't run away but instead saw it as a call to fulfill his purpose. This suggests that anxiety is not a sin but can lead us to sin if we let it dictate our actions. Instead, anxiety can be an invitation to focus on what truly matters and draw closer to God.
To manage anxiety, we need to acknowledge our feelings and understand what they are pointing us towards. This involves recognizing our needs and sharing them with trusted individuals. By doing so, we can transform anxiety from a source of stress into an invitation to deepen our faith and relationships.
### Key Takeaways
1. Anxiety and Faith: Anxiety is not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith. Jesus himself experienced anxiety, which suggests that it is a natural human emotion. Instead of viewing anxiety as a sin, we should see it as an invitation to draw closer to God and focus on what truly matters. [49:47]
2. Implicit Anxiety: Anxiety often operates implicitly, influencing our actions without us realizing it. This kind of anxiety can dictate our behaviors, making us work extra hours, gossip, or withhold love from those close to us. Recognizing this can help us address the root causes of our anxiety. [41:49]
3. Thermal Energy Transfer: Anxiety spreads like thermal energy transfer, affecting those around us. When we are anxious, we vibrate, and this vibration impacts others, causing a ripple effect of stress and worry. Understanding this can help us be more mindful of how our anxiety affects others. [44:31]
4. Internet as an Anxiety Super Spreader: The internet amplifies anxiety by exposing us to the worries and stresses of people far beyond our immediate circle. Sometimes, we need to quarantine ourselves from the internet to protect ourselves from this constant influx of anxiety. [48:08]
5. Transforming Anxiety: To manage anxiety, we need to acknowledge our feelings and understand what they are pointing us towards. This involves recognizing our needs and sharing them with trusted individuals. By doing so, we can transform anxiety from a source of stress into an invitation to deepen our faith and relationships. [55:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:24] - Introduction and Background
[34:19] - New Ministry: Mend Family Care
[35:37] - Faith and Anxiety
[36:35] - Is Anxiety a Lack of Faith?
[37:33] - Jesus' Teachings on Anxiety
[38:21] - Paul's Teachings on Anxiety
[39:04] - Personal Struggles with Anxiety
[40:23] - The Story of Martha
[41:49] - Implicit Anxiety
[44:31] - Thermal Energy Transfer and Anxiety
[48:08] - Internet as an Anxiety Super Spreader
[49:47] - Jesus' Troubled Heart
[55:50] - Transforming Anxiety
[01:04:57] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith and Anxiety
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:25-27 (ESV) - "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
2. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
3. John 14:1 (ESV) - "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about anxiety in Matthew 6:25-27? How does He illustrate His point using nature?
2. According to Philippians 4:6-7, what should we do instead of being anxious? What is promised to us if we follow this advice?
3. In John 14:1, what does Jesus command His disciples regarding their hearts and belief? How does this relate to anxiety? [52:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-27 challenge our everyday worries and concerns? What does this suggest about our priorities?
2. Philippians 4:6-7 mentions presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving. How might gratitude play a role in managing anxiety? [38:21]
3. Jesus experienced anxiety Himself, as mentioned in the sermon. How does this change our understanding of anxiety in the context of faith? [49:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt anxious. How did you respond to that anxiety? What might you do differently in light of Jesus' teachings? [55:50]
2. The sermon mentioned that anxiety can spread like thermal energy transfer. How have you noticed your anxiety affecting those around you? What steps can you take to minimize this impact? [44:31]
3. The internet was described as an "anxiety super spreader." How much time do you spend online, and how does it affect your anxiety levels? What practical steps can you take to reduce this influence? [48:08]
4. Jesus' troubled heart was seen as a call to fulfill His purpose. How can you view your own anxiety as an invitation to focus on what truly matters and draw closer to God? [49:47]
5. The sermon suggested acknowledging our feelings and sharing them with trusted individuals. Who in your life can you turn to for support when you feel anxious? How can you start this conversation? [55:50]
6. Think about the implicit anxiety that influences your actions without you realizing it. Can you identify a specific behavior driven by this kind of anxiety? What changes can you make to address it? [41:49]
7. How can you incorporate prayer and thanksgiving into your daily routine to help manage anxiety, as suggested in Philippians 4:6-7? What specific steps will you take this week? [38:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Anxiety as an Invitation to Draw Closer to God
Anxiety is not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith. Jesus himself experienced anxiety, which suggests that it is a natural human emotion. Instead of viewing anxiety as a sin, we should see it as an invitation to draw closer to God and focus on what truly matters. Jesus' troubled heart in the Garden of Gethsemane is a profound example of this. He did not run away from his anxiety but used it as a call to fulfill his purpose. This perspective can help us reframe our own experiences with anxiety, seeing them as opportunities to deepen our relationship with God rather than as failures of faith. [49:47]
John 12:27 (ESV): "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt anxious. How can you use that experience as an invitation to draw closer to God and focus on what truly matters?
Day 2: Recognizing Implicit Anxiety
Anxiety often operates implicitly, influencing our actions without us realizing it. This kind of anxiety can dictate our behaviors, making us work extra hours, gossip, or withhold love from those close to us. Recognizing this can help us address the root causes of our anxiety. The story of Martha, who was anxious and troubled about many things, illustrates how implicit anxiety can affect our daily lives. By becoming aware of these underlying anxieties, we can take steps to address them and live more intentionally. [41:49]
Luke 10:41-42 (ESV): "But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, 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.'"
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where implicit anxiety might be influencing your actions. How can you address this root cause and live more intentionally?
Day 3: The Ripple Effect of Anxiety
Anxiety spreads like thermal energy transfer, affecting those around us. When we are anxious, we vibrate, and this vibration impacts others, causing a ripple effect of stress and worry. Understanding this can help us be more mindful of how our anxiety affects others. Just as thermal energy transfer spreads heat, our anxiety can spread to those we interact with, creating a cycle of stress. By being aware of this, we can take steps to manage our anxiety and reduce its impact on others. [44:31]
Proverbs 12:25 (ESV): "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."
Reflection: Think of a time when your anxiety affected someone else. How can you be more mindful of the ripple effect of your anxiety and take steps to manage it better?
Day 4: The Internet as an Anxiety Super Spreader
The internet amplifies anxiety by exposing us to the worries and stresses of people far beyond our immediate circle. Sometimes, we need to quarantine ourselves from the internet to protect ourselves from this constant influx of anxiety. The internet can act as an anxiety super spreader, making us aware of global issues and personal struggles that we might not otherwise encounter. By setting boundaries on our internet use, we can protect our mental health and focus on what truly matters. [48:08]
Psalm 131:2 (ESV): "But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."
Reflection: Consider your current internet usage. What boundaries can you set to protect yourself from the constant influx of anxiety-inducing information?
Day 5: Transforming Anxiety into an Invitation
To manage anxiety, we need to acknowledge our feelings and understand what they are pointing us towards. This involves recognizing our needs and sharing them with trusted individuals. By doing so, we can transform anxiety from a source of stress into an invitation to deepen our faith and relationships. Acknowledging our anxiety and seeking support can help us navigate our feelings and find peace. This process can transform anxiety into an opportunity for growth and connection. [55:50]
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: Identify a trusted individual you can share your anxieties with. How can this act of sharing help you transform your anxiety into an opportunity for growth and connection?
Quotes
1. "I don't know if you've felt this way, but it feels like anxiety is increasingly sort of part of my life. It's all around me. It feels like almost everywhere. Everyone I know has been touched by this in some way. I don't know if that's been your experience. I know so many people who have been diagnosed with anxiety. Who are taking medication for anxiety. People who are using the word anxiety more and more in their lives." [36:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Honestly. Even if you're not part of the church. Even if you don't believe in God. Even if you don't care about what Jesus or Paul had to say. I think that there's a sense in which anxiety is kind of a sin in our broader culture too. It's like a cultural sin. It shows me that there's something wrong with me. People outside the church certainly wouldn't use the word sin. But I think there's something wrong with me." [39:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This is the kind of anxiety. That in some ways dictates my actions. That influences me often without me even being aware of it. This is the kind of anxiety that, you know, for me, prods me at times to work extra hours. Because, it says, you're worthless if you don't achieve something with your life. This is the kind of anxiety that whispers in my ears. Do you see what she did there? You failed as a father. And then I find myself yelling at my poor daughter. Because she didn't pick up her coat." [41:49] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Maybe you'll gossip. Maybe you'll fret. Maybe you'll panic buy toilet paper. Maybe you'll stay up late at night working. All the while probably telling yourself this is a perfectly reasonable way to react given the situation. And then those vibrations will rub against others. You'll sort of bump into other people as you do this. By the way you talk to them. Or by the way you don't talk to them maybe. And they'll start to vibrate too because your actions are causing them to feel more stressed. More tense. More worried. Making them feel less safe." [46:12] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus, when he was troubled. He didn't actually run away from it. He didn't resist it. He said, no, for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name. This is how he responded to his anxiousness in that moment. It was almost like he was saying, I'm not going to give in to what anxiety wants me to do. But my troubled spirit. Points me to what is most important. The whole reason that I came here." [51:22] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "What if Jesus is not saying here. Well, if you believed in me. You wouldn't be anxious. Which is how I've so often taken this. What if he's not saying that. What if instead he's saying. You're anxious. I know. But you can believe instead. When we look at it in that way. Anxiety becomes. Again, not a sin. Or doing the wrong thing. It becomes a call back to what really matters. Because we're only troubled. When we most need to believe. We're only anxious. When we're most in need. Of a hand to hold." [52:40] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "What if anxiety were not a sign of a lack of faith. Wasn't pointing to our weakness. Or rather it is pointing to our weakness. And pointing to how much we need God. What if anxiety was actually a sign or an invitation. To remember. That we can come closer. We can draw in. We can touch. And we can see. That he is there. He is with us." [54:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If I'm working too much. You know. Because anxiety says. I won't be a valuable person otherwise. Then. Anxiety is also telling me something. That's really important. That I want to be valued. I need love. I need appreciation. But I don't have to try and get it. You know. By manipulating others. Into giving it to me. Because I work so hard. I do such a good job. I do my work so perfectly." [55:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Our feelings don't have to toss us this way and that, getting us to do all sorts of things, getting us to sin, in fact. But actually, anxiety can be a beautiful thing that calls us back to our truest values, that calls us back to our closeness, not only to each other, but to our Lord. And this is what it looks like. We can not only vibrate against each other and heat each other up, but we can also kind of cool each other down." [01:04:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Maybe don't think about anxiety as being something wrong with you, as being a sign that you have no faith or a sin, but see it as pointing you towards what really matters, as an invitation to draw close." [01:04:57] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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