Is It Normal To Be Anxious?
In reality, anxiety involves feelings of uneasiness, nervousness, or worry. Owing to the fact that we are living in a world full of uncertainties, bouts of anxiety can overtake any of us. Some people might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision.
The Bibles says that “anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” (Proverb 12:25) ESV. Anxiety, uneasiness, nervousness, worries and so on, which are all of the same, are destructive and can inevitably reduce or destroy a man’s efficiency. Some people have been hospitalized in extreme cases.
Even in the Bible days, people at different times, had anxieties. David poured out his heart to the Lord in prayers each time he was faced with difficulties and worry.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:1-3) ESV.
He also said, “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. (Psalm 120:1) ESV. The book of Psalm is full of such prayers, which implied that David directed his problems to God in prayers. In fact, God invites us to unburden ourselves to him. “Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7) AMP.
Often, though, we can allay anxieties by addressing them in a practical way. For instance, when Apostle Paul felt “anxiety for all the congregations,” he worked hard to comfort and encourage those for whom he was concerned. (2 Corinthians 11:28) In that respect, his anxiety proved to be an asset, for it moved him to extend needed help. The same can be true of us. The opposite attitude –apathy or indifference — would indicate a lack of loving concern.
How Can You Deal With Undue Anxiety?
The reality: People may be anxious about past misdeeds, the future, or finances, among others.
Concern about past misdeeds: Before becoming Christians, some people in the first century were drunkards, extortioners, sexually immoral, and thieves. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Rather than dwell on their past, they changed their ways and trusted in God’s great mercy, which he extends willingly and which is available to those of faith.
Uncertainty about tomorrow, Jesus said, “Never be anxious about the next day,”
“Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ (Matthew 6:25-31) AMP
This literally means that you have to address today’s concerns. Do not compound them by bringing tomorrow’s forward, which can cloud judgment and lead to rash decisions. Also keep in mind that many anxieties may later prove to be unwarranted.
It does not matter what the problems are, be it lack of money, homelessness, failure in a relationship, etc. Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
In conclusion, when you allow God into your issues through prayers and giving thanks, the peace of God which passes all understanding will fill your heart. The children of Israel, were at some point anxious and worried over the fact that the Egyptians armies were after them from behind and the red sea was in front of them, it was a great problem for them, because there was no way of escape for them. Even in such a chaotic moment, Moses said unto the people, “Fear ye not. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. (Exodus 14:13). It takes faith to hand over your problems to God. He promises never to leave you nor forsake you.
