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In a world filled with anxieties and unknowns, it’s crucial to acknowledge that much of our fear is beyond our control. Peter emphasized this point, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
This verse doesn’t necessarily resolve all of our anxieties, as we are fallen creatures in a world filled with sin. However, the teaching implies that our faith in God can and will assist us in times of turmoil. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or even a physical illness, worrying is natural but does little good for our spiritual state. The Scriptures provide us with a comforting reassurance that we are not alone in our struggles.
Jesus, likewise, informed his disciples not to be anxious, saying:
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, 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, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:22-31).
The Bible addresses anxiety extensively, which only solidifies it has been a problem since the fall of creation. Readers understand that anxiety is not just debilitating but also leads to additional health complications, including physical symptoms during such attacks.
As Christians, we must have a healthy balance of living in this world, yet always seeking to place our minds on heavenly goals. Once we do this, we have the opportunity to face anxiety straight on. While we may not be able to cure it, we can certainly make an effort to treat it. Prayer is vital, relying on the Lord for His guidance and comfort. Our hope is only found in Him.
Arthur W. Pink wrote, “He [God] assigns each creature his place as seemeth good in his own sight… Wherever we are, his eye is upon us. Whoever we are, our life and everything is held at his disposal.”[i]
Let’s be motivated to search for His kingdom, as it brings us both peace and purpose. Not only can we find comfort and direction from God during times of distress, but such turmoil can also produce a stronger faithfulness.
Paul shared, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
This world throws many challenges at us. How do we endure? Every soul, including the great Reformers like Martin Luther, had doubts and obstacles. Nevertheless, faith in Christ remains our sole means of confronting such challenges.
Prayer, living in the Scriptures and godly wisdom effectively combat anxiety. In Luke 12:22-31, Jesus reminds us that worrying adds nothing to our lives. Instead, we are called to place our faith in Him, trusting in His provision and care for our every need.
Anxiety won’t magically vanish. However, if we focus on Christ’s sovereignty and the promise of eternal life, it can give us the peace we need to deal with life’s uncertainties. Faith in Christ doesn’t mean all our problems disappear, but it gives us the strength to overcome fear and find comfort in His control.
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7).
[i] A.W. Pink, The Attributes of God, (Philadelphia: Baker Books, 2006), 117.
