Addressing Anxiety

The Reality

• All of us will experience differing levels of distress and sorrow in life.
• Each of us handles anxiety differently due to many personal factors.
• We typically label people as those who struggle with anxiety and those who do not, but those are unhelpful distinctions.
• Consider anxiety as a scale where we all start in different places and all have elements that can potentially alter it.
• Realize that you haven’t felt when anxiety hits; you fail when you mishandle it.
• Handling anxiety is much like how you handle other temptations in your life; the first glance isn’t your fault, but you are responsible for the lingering.

The Example

Matthew 26:36-46

• Even Jesus got overwhelmed.
  • He was described as “greatly distressed” (Mark 14:33).
  • He was described as “sorrowful” and “troubled” (Matt. 26:37).
  • He was so low that he described himself to the point of death (Matt. 26:38).
  • He was so overwhelmed that he suffered from hematohidrosis (Luke 22:44).
• Jesus showed us what to do when overwhelmed.
  • He drew near to God.
    • He went to a customary place, a favorite spot to pray (Luke 22:39).
    • He brought his honest feelings to God (Matt. 26:39).
  • He drew near to friends.
    • He brought three of his closest friends to be with him (Mark 14:33).
    • He asked them to pray with him (Matt. 26:40-41).
• Jesus was different after this experience.
  • After this time, he seemed determined, calm, and somehow, even in control.
    • He tells the disciples to get up because his betrayer has arrived, and it is time to get going (Matt. 26:46).
    • He speaks confidently and causes people to fall to the ground (John 18:6).
    • He tells the mob to leave his disciples alone and take him (John 18:8).
    • He heals a guard’s ear that Peter cuts off (Luke 22:51).
    • He tells the mob he could call down more than twelve legions of angels at that moment if he wanted to (Matt. 26:53).
    • And when he talks with those who can spare his life, he tells them they have power only because it was given to them (John 19:11).‍

The Process

• Draw Near to God
  • Are you actively in God’s Word?
  • Are you being honest and regular in times of prayer?
  • Are you memorizing some safeguard Scriptures?
  • Is there a distraction keeping you away from spending time with Him?
  • Is there a sinful coping mechanism that is distancing you from Him?
• Draw Near to Friends
  • Are you in a regular community with spiritual people you can trust?
  • Does anyone know that you are struggling?
  • Are you initiating contact with others, and can you focus on their lives?
  • Are you reaching out to good counselors who know the Bible?
  • Are you willing to take small recommendations to see gradual improvement?

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