Anxiety Offramp

Alright, let’s dive in. Today, we’re talking about anxiety—a nearly universal struggle. While a few people might escape it, most of us wrestle with worries, fears, and stresses that can weigh us down, often hindering our ability to experience the rest God intends, like the Sabbath rest we discussed previously.

Let’s start with a textbook definition of anxiety from a psychology encyclopedia: “Anxiety is experienced psychologically as a combination of looming dread or impending danger and vague uneasiness, accompanied by symptoms like mild agitation, racing thoughts, impaired sleep, and difficulty calming oneself. Physiologically, it involves sustained muscle tension or trembling, increased heart rate, and disturbed breathing—either hyperventilation or a tendency to hold one’s breath. These characteristics create heightened awareness or alertness, often disrupting concentration, memory, and emotional comfort, making anxiety a psychophysiological disturbance.”

In simpler terms, anxiety can trap us in a cycle where its symptoms amplify the experience, creating a “doom loop.” For example, if you fear public speaking and must give a presentation, anxious thoughts may cause you to stumble over words or struggle with slides, which only heightens your anxiety, spiraling into greater distress.

The Bible acknowledges anxiety repeatedly, never dismissing it as imaginary or trivial. It names it directly—using terms like fear, worry, cares, distress, fretfulness, or, as commentator Homer Kent puts it, “undue concern.” It can feel like an affliction, tribulation, or even suffering. Many of us relate to these descriptions, experiencing anxious thoughts that flood our minds and trigger physical and psychological responses.

Today, we’ll explore two Scripture passages that offer resources to address anxiety. The first is Matthew 6:25–34, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These are Jesus’ words, making them hard to dismiss. Let’s read:

Matthew 6:25–34 (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? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Jesus teaches that anxiety is pointless for Christians. Let’s examine why:

There’s more to life than what you’re worrying about. Anxiety shrinks life to the size of our problems, dominating our thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s food, clothing, or shelter—bare necessities—Jesus says life is bigger than these. Even in dire circumstances, like a cancer diagnosis, job loss, or a loved one’s death, there’s more to life than the issue consuming you. Anxiety deceives us into forgetting God’s blessings, responsibilities, and the broader picture.

God cares about you. Jesus points to birds and flowers—seemingly insignificant parts of creation—yet God provides for them. If He cares for them, how much more does He care for you, created in His image and redeemed by His Son? Matthew 10:31 reinforces this: “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” As Alistair Begg once suggested, write this on a note: “I’m worth more than many sparrows.” Anxiety often stems from doubting God’s care, but Scripture—through Jesus’ words and reminders like communion—affirms His love.

Anxiety changes nothing. No amount of worry can extend your life or alter circumstances. J.C. Ryle notes, “All the care in the world will not make us continue a minute beyond the time God has appointed.” Worrying doesn’t solve problems; it only burdens us further.

God knows your needs. Your anxiety doesn’t inform God of anything He doesn’t already know. He’s aware of every detail of your life, from the big issues to the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30). This should bring relief, as James 1:2–4 reminds us to consider trials joy because God uses them to grow us.

Anxiety reflects an unchristian perspective. Jesus notes that Gentiles obsess over immediate needs because they lack trust in a sovereign God. Christians, however, seek God’s kingdom first, viewing life through an eternal lens. Paul describes life’s troubles as a fleeting vapor (James 4:14), emphasizing eternity’s significance.

Anxiety steals tomorrow’s troubles. Jesus advises against borrowing future worries, saying, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Worrying about tomorrow’s problems today only compounds distress without resolving anything.

Jesus isn’t calling us to numb ourselves to life’s realities, like the world does through substances or distractions. The Psalms reflect raw human struggles yet point to God’s presence. Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” assuring us we need not fear even in chaos.

Now, let’s turn to Philippians 4:4–9, where Paul provides practical tools to combat anxiety:

Philippians 4:4–9 (ESV): “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Many focus on verse 6—“Do not be anxious about anything”—and think it’s impossible. But Paul surrounds this command with tools to conquer anxiety:

Joy. Paul emphasizes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Joy counters anxiety by lifting our eyes beyond our problems. Even in trials—like waiting for test results or facing financial strain—rejoicing in God’s goodness (as seen in Psalms like Psalm 23) equips us to handle difficulties without being consumed.

Reasonableness. Paul urges, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” This Greek term implies being gentle, forbearing, or hard to offend—not insisting on your own way. A bighearted, loving attitude, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, reduces tension and anxiety. Reflect on how being less easily offended could lighten your burdens.

Prayer. Paul instructs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” This isn’t about praying to get your way but trusting God’s perfect will. H.B. Charles notes, “To be anxious for nothing, pray about everything.” Anxiety often reflects pride, assuming God needs our worry to act. Instead, Proverbs 3:5–6 calls us to trust God in all things, humbling ourselves before Him.

Proper focus. Paul advises dwelling on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Filling our minds with these things, rather than spiraling worries, fosters peace. This isn’t about ignoring problems but proactively focusing on God’s truth and goodness.

Neither Jesus nor Paul suggests overcoming anxiety is easy or a one-time fix. It’s a habit to cultivate, like planting a seed and nurturing it. While difficulties and anxious moments will come, these resources—joy, reasonableness, prayer, and proper focus—equip us to face them without being overwhelmed. God’s peace, which surpasses understanding, guards our hearts and minds.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for addressing anxiety so clearly in Scripture, showing us it’s a pointless pursuit that weighs us down. Thank You for providing resources like joy, prayer, a proper focus, and a gentle spirit to help us trust You. Help us not to return to fear but to integrate these solutions into our lives, knowing You love and care for us. We ask this in Your holy name, Amen.