Leveraging Anxiety
We all come from different backgrounds, which means we react with different feelings in similar situations. But the one feeling that captures the current time and season we are all in is…anxiety.
Often, we react to anxiety by thinking, “I just need more faith”, or “I need to muscle through and get over it.” But there is another approach to anxiety which is Biblical and practical.
What To Do With Anxiety
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.” Philippians 2:20 (NLT)
The context of Philippians 4:6 is crucial. The word for worry/anxiety in Philippians 4:6 is the exact same word used in Philippians 2:20 - where the word is translated “genuinely cares”. Timothy was someone who would be anxious for the welfare of the Philippians.
A few years ago, my wife travelled to Beirut, Lebanon on a mission trip. As I dropped her off at the airport, I felt anxious. Why was I anxious? I had care and concern for her that was real and genuine. Anxiety is not bad in that situation. So, often anxiety points to what matters to us.
Philippians 4:6 tells us to do something instead of worrying - pray. The message is don’t be anxious but if you are, here is a step to take.
Worry is when we talk to ourselves about problems. Talk to God instead.
Anxiety Reframed
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
In verse 8, we have a great eight-part checklist for what we think. It is a guide or filter to help us realize what kind of thoughts we are having. What we think about transforms what we believe, and what we believe turns into action.
Anxiety lets us know what is important to us and identifies areas of our life where we have opportunities to grow. Anxiety tends to point to the things we need to work on and grow.
If we listen to anxiety, it can lead us and guide us.
If you are anxious because these things matter to you - lean into those things. And know that the other anxieties can show us what direction to go to find opportunities to grow.
The Bottom Line
God can use your anxiety as a friend who is knocking on the door and wants in. Let it come in and take a seat. Don’t ignore it. Ask questions. Find out what is important to you. Find out what direction you need to work on. And allow anxiety to drive you closer into God’s presence.