Anxiety | Fear

Mar 12

Ninety percent of the things we worry about never happen, and the other ten percent are beyond our control. This doesn’t change the fact that our society is more anxious and fearful than it has ever been. In the United States, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting approximately 40 million adults according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

COVID has been an eye-opening case study as to how fearful we are as a society. From the early days of the pandemic, when news of the virus first began to emerge, people around the world began to feel a sense of unease and uncertainty. As the virus spread, fear and anxiety increased, with many people experiencing near paralyzing levels of stress, worry, and panic. The pandemic highlighted how quickly fear and anxiety can spread from one person to another. Social media and the 24-hour news cycle have also contributed to the spread of fear, as sensationalized stories and misinformation can quickly circulate and cause panic.

We live in a fallen, imperfect world. Bad things are going to happen, even to good people. Fear is not from God, but from the enemy. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." We can resist fear by putting our trust in God and relying on His strength. Though we have an enemy who hates us and is doing everything in his power to destroy us, we serve a God who is able to redeem bad things and give us hope and peace through the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches that we should not worry about our lives, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear, because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide for us. Instead, we should seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "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."

Questions to answer with our counselee

What are the specific situations or circumstances that trigger your anxiety or fear?
Have you experienced any traumatic events in the past that may be contributing to your anxiety or fear?
How do you react to these situations? Do you avoid them, try to control them, or experience physical symptoms like sweating or racing heartbeat?
Are you currently engaging in any activities or habits that may be exacerbating your anxiety or fear, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, poor diet or lack of exercise?
Have you sought help for your anxiety or fear in the past? If so, what has been helpful or unhelpful?
What do you believe about yourself or God in relation to these situations? Do you believe that you are in control, or that God is in control? Do you believe that you are capable of handling the situation or that you need to rely on God?
Who is God?

Is God faithful?
Is God big enough to handle your anxiety, fear, stress?

Are there any particular Bible verses or passages that you find comforting or helpful when dealing with anxiety or fear?
Will you acknowledge that you would like to start living by faith instead of fear?
Are you willing to put in the effort to renew your mind?
What specific steps do you need to start taking toward freedom?

Stories to consider

Elijah (1 Kings 18-19)

Elijah was a prophet of God who lived during the reign of Ahab, the king of Israel. Elijah had just witnessed the power of God in a dramatic showdown with the prophets of Baal, where he called down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice. However, soon after this event, Elijah found himself on the run, fleeing from the wrath of Queen Jezebel who was determined to kill him for his role in the execution of the prophets of Baal.

During this time, Elijah experienced a great deal of anxiety and fear. He felt overwhelmed and alone, unsure of what to do next. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, we read that Elijah "was afraid and ran for his life... he came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"

Elijah's fear and anxiety were understandable given the circumstances. He had just witnessed the power of God in a dramatic way, but now he found himself facing a powerful enemy who was intent on his destruction. He felt alone and isolated, without anyone to turn to for help. These feelings of isolation and helplessness can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when combined with the fear of imminent danger.

However, despite his fear and anxiety, Elijah was not abandoned by God. In fact, God provided for him in miraculous ways, sending an angel to provide him with food and water and later speaking to him in a still, small voice. Through these experiences, Elijah was reminded that he was not alone and that God was still with him, even in his darkest moments.

In conclusion, Elijah's experience fleeing from Jezebel was characterized by fear and anxiety, but he was ultimately able to find comfort and strength in God's presence. This serves as a reminder that, no matter how overwhelming our fears may be, we can find comfort and peace in God's love and care.

Peter (Matthew 14:22-33)

Peter was one of Jesus' closest disciples, and he often displayed a strong and impulsive personality. One of the most well-known stories about Peter's experience with fear and anxiety occurred when he attempted to walk on water with Jesus.

In the gospel of Matthew, we read that Jesus had sent his disciples ahead of him in a boat while he went up a mountainside to pray. Later, during the night, the disciples were struggling to row the boat because of strong winds and waves. Jesus then came to them, walking on the water, and the disciples were terrified, thinking they had seen a ghost. But Jesus reassured them and told them it was him.

Then, Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus then said, "Come," and Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus then reached out his hand and caught Peter, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Peter's experience teaches us an important lesson about the power of fear and anxiety. When he focused on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible - walk on water. However, as soon as he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the storm around him, he became afraid and began to sink.

This story reminds us that fear and anxiety can be powerful forces in our lives, but if we keep our focus on Jesus, we can overcome them. By keeping our eyes fixed on him and trusting in his love and power, we can find the strength and courage we need to face any challenge or adversity.

Furthermore, Peter's experience also highlights the importance of having faith in God and relying on him in times of difficulty. When we trust in God's love and care for us, we can find peace and confidence even in the midst of our fears and anxieties.

Verses for study

Anxiety; fear

Matthew 6:25-34: If the Lord takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the fields, how much more will he take care of His precious children. “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (6:34).
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Genesis 12:11-20: Abram gave over Sarai to Pharoah’s harem out of fear
Deuteronomy 2:25: neighboring countries experienced trembling and anguish over the fear of God’s people
Psalm 27:3: If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; if war arises against me, in spite of this, I am confident.
Proverbs 3:23-26: Do not be afraid of sudden danger.
Proverbs 12:25: Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.
Matthew 10:29-31: Are two sparrows not sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.
Luke 21:34-36: But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap.
1 Peter 5:6-7: Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.

Put off | Put on

"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:22-24 ESV)

Put off: Satan; temptation; sin; slavery; false teachers; idols; selfishness; blaming God; guilt and shame
Put on: God; repentance of my sin or forgiveness of another’s sin; Jesus; repentance unto salvation; Holy Spirit; sanctification; fruit; spiritual disciplines; identity in Christ; healthy emotions

Article: Anxiety and Fear Biblically by Bryan Carlson

“Anxiety is stress over what might or might not happen. Fear is concern over the future” (Roy 9). According to the Bible, anxiety and fear are unproductive reactions to the perceived or real loss of earthly pleasures or the perceived or real possibility of future harm from circumstances or people. However, worry and fear are not to be permanent characteristics of God's children, as stated in Matthew 6:25, 31 and Philippians 4:6. The experience of anxiety and fear often involves a division of the heart's values between earthly and eternal pleasures, as referenced in Matthew 6:19-24. In extreme cases, anxiety and fear can lead to an inability to function. The Bible characterizes those who act in ways that reveal anxiety and fear as "Fatherless Gentiles" in Matthew 6:32 (Faith notes 29). “Fear can be right or wise when it causes a reverence for God (Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11), a fear of the evil one (Matthew 10:26-28) or when it’s a natural response caused by legitimate danger (Job 41:33; Proverbs 22:3). Fear can be sinful when it is focused on self rather than on God (Matthew 6:19-24)” (Roy 9).

Anxiety and fear can manifest themselves in both the inner and outer man. The inner man may experience a heavy heart, where feelings can be overwhelming and all-consuming, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:25 and Psalm 94:19. The soul can be unsettled and noisy, contrasting with the quieted soul of Psalm 131. Additionally, anxiety and fear can lead to a shift in focus, values, and delights, often prioritizing earthly concerns, as referenced in Matthew 6:19-34 and Luke 10:40-41. On the other hand, the outer man can show physiological responses, such as a nervous stomach, ulcers, increased heart rate, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Anxiety and fear may also preoccupy an individual with securing earthly pleasures and safety, as mentioned in Matthew 6:19-34. In extreme cases, anxiety and fear may immobilize an individual. Furthermore, individuals struggling with anxiety and fear may be unwilling to act in love to serve others, as stated in 1 John 4:18. (Faith notes 30)

Biblical factors that can drive anxiety and fear include a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision, a focus on circumstances rather than God, a lack of confidence in His promises, and a sense of personal inadequacy. Additionally, spiritual attacks from Satan can cause doubt and fear (2 Corinthians 2:11). Fear of man can also contribute to anxiety (Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 10:28-33; Galatians 1:10), as can trusting oneself rather than trusting in the sovereignty of God (Joshua 1:9; Matthew 6:33-34). Idolatry of the heart, which involves pursuing temporary earth-bound pleasures, treasures, and the praise of man, is another biblical driving factor for anxiety and fear (Matthew 6:19-24; Proverbs 29:25). Unbelief in various aspects can also contribute to anxiety, such as unbelief in one's identity as a child of God (Matthew 6:32), in God's ability to meet the needs of His children (Matthew 6:31–34; Philippians 4:19), in God's purposes to use suffering for His children's good (Romans 8:28–29), in God's plan to bring His children greater delights than what earthly suffering may take from them (Romans 8:18), and in God's plan to have His children love in the midst of suffering to bring light to the world (1 Peter 2:21–24). Laziness in thinking and working hard can also contribute to anxiety (Matthew 25:25–26; Proverbs 6:6–11), as can poor stewardship of the body, including a lack of rest, sleep, exercise, and nutrition (Philippians 4:6-7). (Faith notes 30-31; Roy 9-10)

The Bible provides several strategies for responding to anxiety and fear:

Trust in God and His promises, recognizing that He is in control and has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
Bring your worries and fears to God in prayer, and cast your anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Read and meditate on God's Word, which provides comfort, hope, and peace (Isaiah 26:3).
Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging Christian friends and family members (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Practice gratitude and thankfulness, focusing on the blessings and gifts God has given you (Philippians 4:6-7).
Confess and repent of any known sin in your life, and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged (1 John 1:9).
Seek to live a life of obedience to God and trust in His plan for your life, even in difficult circumstances (Psalm 56:3-4). (Faith notes 30-31; Roy 9-10)

Don Roy, IBCD, ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide, 9-10.

Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 29-32.

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