Everyone suffers from some level of anxiety in their lives. Discover what Scripture clarifies to address our feelings when we are overwhelmed.
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.
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- 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).
- He drew near to God.
- 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).
- After this time, he seemed determined, calm, and somehow, even in control.
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?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
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