Anxiety

Anxiety can be described as a painful uneasiness of the mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. It produces an overwhelming sense of apprehension and is often marked by sweating, tension, and an increased pulse. Frequently, self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with certain situations prompts anxiety. 

Anxiety can stem from childhood traumas and fears, even if a person does not remember circumstances or instances. Still, it can plague their present-day with unexpected and overwhelming feelings of trepidation. 

People who struggle with anxiety feel limited and bound by this emotion. For instance, someone with an anxiety attack can experience immobilization. This may cause social, relational, and occupational challenges, which may compel the person to live with limitations to avoid pain and uneasiness.

A restricted life often feels like the only option for the person with this struggle. Even if they dream of it being otherwise, they are quickly brought back to the uncomfortable reality of impending concern. It is a continuous and weary cycle. 

Whatever the source of the original trouble, the problem can be traced back to one root issue: the frailty of the human spirit. What feeble people we are! Many do not realize it, but the one who struggles with anxiety knows it with all certainty. This realization creates a unique opportunity for the healing process to start. The truth is that we all are but dust. Our very next breath for survival comes only through God’s constant provision. It is God who upholds the weak—something we all are by virtue of humanity. 

A common mistake for those who struggle with anxiety is longing for worldly confidence. Yet, self-assurance leads to even greater disillusionment. Anxiety’s presence, on the other hand, is a blessing in disguise—a reminder of the feebleness of the human condition and the need for a Savior. It is the beginning of discovering strength through the Holy Spirit. God is pleased to show Himself strong on behalf of the weak in this world. 

The Scriptures teach that “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong …”(1 Corinthians 1:27).

God does not disesteem the timid or anxious but selects them as vessels to do great things in His kingdom. Pressing into God with our frailties, we will find ourselves facing giants in His strength. 

Even still, God desires our hearts to be free from anxiety that burdens the heart. He has given us the provision and direction in Scripture to make this possible.

For more insight into God’s rescue from consuming emotions, read: Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking.

The following brief descriptions touch on emotions common to our humanity. Insecurity, Discouragement, Loneliness, Anxiety, Inadequacy, Inferiority, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Approval Seeking, Obsession, Neediness, Identity Confusion, Feeling Second Best, and other areas of emotional struggle.