7 Principles for Overcoming Anxiety: An Old Remedy to A New Problem:<img
According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety disorders are among the leading forms of mental disorders in the U.S. today. A 2017 poll cited health, security and financial concerns as the leading causes of anxiety disorders in America. The report noted a 5% increase in reports of anxiety from 2016 to 2017. Defined as a feeling of excessive nervousness or fear, anxiety affects about 25 million Americas every year. While for some people, these statistics may not signal trouble, for me they sound the alarm that America is facing a mental health crisis of epidemic proportions.
However, an even more alarming statistic was reported in Time magazine article that polled 1000 Americans found that 58% of Americans reported feeling more anxious in 2018 than in 2017. The poll added “politics” to the list of reasons for anxiety. So, why are adult Americans experiencing more anxiety than they were a year ago year? According to the poll, 56% of those who cited politics gave the political direction of the country as the reason for their anxiety. Of this group, only 28% reported seeking mental health care for their condition. Ironically, the social stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues didn’t influence the decision of those who failed to seek mental health assistance. Of the 28% polled, not knowing how to access mental health care was the main reason for not seeking help.
The fact that many Americans do not know how to access mental health care reveals a serious flaw in our nations mental health system. The rise in cases of mental disorders coupled with a lack of education about accessing mental health care is an incendiary threat to our country’s health and overall safety.
So, how do we reverse this recent uptick in anxiety disorders due to financial, security and political concerns? Well, while I believe that today’s psychiatric community has made strides in diagnosing and categorizing mental disorders through science and medical research, relying too heavily on science and not organic solutions can also have its drawbacks. I think that history has a lot to say about these disorders especially when brought on by security concerns whether, political, economic or physical. I believe that a more basic approach may reveal solutions used in ancient times to overcome anxiety in a tense political environment. I think that we can learn from them.
This is not an argument for religion over science I will save that for another article. I really think the 2-work hand in hand. Some of the modern techniques for combating anxiety offer great promise. In his book “Rewire” Richard Conner applauds advances in mindfulness meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and some drugs (SSRI) as a means of controlling the effects of anxiety and other disorders. But what I am advocating is a more comprehensive and authoritative source in alleviating the effects of anxiety the Bible. To Conner’s credit he starts his book out with a scripture from Romans then abandons scripture for a more medical and scientific course of treatment for anxiety and depression. And while he does a good job in his approach, I would like to return to the scripture because it has more to say on the matter.
Just as in his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul addresses mental disorders in his first-century letter to the Philippians. In this letter, the Apostle Paul was first to address the subject of anxiety head-on. The letter to the Philippians is a guidebook for having joy during difficult situations. As a first century church in the Roman empire, it was common to endure the wrath of many Roman officials. Politically, it mimics the stressful political climate today in America. During the time of this writing, the Roman Republic with an extensive network of checks and balances had been abandoned. Even though the Roman Empire influenced the known world, there were those who did not benefit from the rule of Emperors and who were persecuted for their beliefs.
Therefore, the political climate at the time of this letter qualifies the Apostle to advise members of his congregation to hold fast to their faith during this polarizing political atmosphere. He instructs them to adhere to several principles that will keep their hearts and minds during difficult times.
Listed below are 7 Things we can do to Deal with Anxiety:
1. Have Faith
A lack of security is among the top concerns for people who experience anxiety disorders and depression. The fear of a lack of economic or physical security in tough economic times or an increase in neighborhood crime is commonly reported in cases of anxiety. Among other things, this increase can be attributed to the 24-hour news cycle that constantly bombards our minds with negative images. The fear of natural disasters, rising crime rates, and negative economic predictions can make us feel anxious and insecure often in our own homes. Living in a world that seems so chaotic can make us feel powerless over life’s circumstances which rob us of our joy and peace. Yes, in life there are many circumstances that are out of our control, but by faith, we can still have peace knowing that God is in control of everything.
This appeared to be the issue facing the early Philippian church. In the first chapter of his letter, Paul encourages his congregation to have faith. Paul started the Philippian church on his 2nd missionary journey. While in Philippi he was arrested, beaten and thrown in Jail by Roman magistrates for preaching the gospel. Now some 13 years later, the Apostle Paul writes them from a Roman jail while facing the possibility of execution. I am sure that the Philippians were anxious to hear of the fate of their brother, mentor, and friend. I am sure this was also a cause for concern about their own personal safety as first century Christians. At this time, the Romans were at odds with religion not authorized by the Empire. The political forces of the Jews and the Romans were equally responsible for Paul’s imprisonment. However, during this, Paul writes to encourage the Philippians to keep the faith. He ensures them that God can protect them until His plan for their life was completed.
For those experiencing anxiety disorder over security concerns, Paul’s words should be reassuring. Paul writes to the Philippians from Death Row. While disheartening it should also be a source of comfort for us today. I would like to think that none of you reading this article is facing a situation as desperate as Paul’s, but if you are then keep the faith. Only God can give us peace and protection in dark places. Faith in God does not mean that everything will be perfect, but it means that whatever the situation He holds you in His hand. And whatever He has started in your life He is able to complete in Jesus Christ. Have faith!!
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:6
2. Practice Humility
According to the Apostle Paul, pride can be the underlying cause of anxiety disorders and depression. Thinking of ourselves in a manner inconsistent with how God views us can be a cause of stress. This usually comes in the form of how we perceive ourselves in a relationship with God and others. Prideful people place their attention on themselves and often set unrealistic expectations for themselves and others. Being driven by selfish motives to achieve goals that are often superficial can blind us to what is truly important in life. Our highest aim in life should be service to others.
Thinking that we are more important than we are can be an underlying cause of anxiety disorders. While achieving personal goals and reaching milestones are apart of Gods purpose and plan for our lives we shouldn’t become absorbed with them. There is more to life than seeking to fulfill personal goals for the sake of fulfilling them. Our lives have a greater impact and are more fulfilling when we serve others. Service to others should always be our highest calling (3:20)
The Apostle Paul understood this principle all too well. His list of accomplishments prior to his conversion, read like the who’s who of the cover of Forbes magazine. Here’s what Paul had to say about his resume:
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Phil 3: 4-6 NIV
Simply put, Paul whose name was Saul was the best at his profession. He studied at the best schools had the best professors, and belonged to the strictest sect of Judaism, the Pharisee. Born a Jew and a Roman citizen, Paul enjoyed the status, benefits, and privileges not afforded to most in the Greco-Roman world. However, Paul whose name was Saul was changed while on the Damascus Road when he had an encounter with Jesus Christ. For the first time, Paul realized that he was called to a greater purpose than just accumulating worldly achievements. For the first time, he realized what it meant to have a higher calling. At this point his earthy achievements didn’t seem to have the same weight as the significance of is heavenly calling for his life He writes:
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” Phil. 3:5-7 NIV
The world teaches us to strive to be the best at achieving superficial goals which make a name for ourselves and grants us accolades from others. While there is nothing wrong in being respected for our earthly gifts, we must be careful not to become prideful and use these gifts for selfish purposes. Constantly trying to meet unrealistic expectations for personal recognition can be a source of anxiety. If we will humble ourselves by using our gifts and talents to serve God and help others, then God will lift us to heights we never imagined.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself”. Philippians 2::3 NIV
3. Pray
Of all the effective strategies against the effects of anxiety, prayer is the most potent. Prayer is the first step in combating fear and anxiety because it brings us into fellowship with the One who provides what we need in stressful times. According to the Apostle Paul, prayer is the mechanism God uses to send His “peace” from heaven to earth. God ‘peace is a spiritual resource that comes directly from His abundant resources. The peace that combats anxiety cannot be manufactured on earth. Therefore, to receive it we must petition God in prayer. God peace can comfort us on earth during difficult times because it come from a higher source. God ‘s peace is truly a commodity “made in heaven”.
When thinking about the role God’s peace plays in our current world I am reminded of an economic term called “Market Failure”. Market Failure occurs when the public needs a commodity, but the current market system cannot produce or manufacture it for reasons of economic feasibility. When market failure occurs, it is up to a higher power (in human terms) the government to supply the resource that is not profitable to be produced in the private sector. When we pray, God, our higher power, steps in to give us peace from His heavenly warehouse because the earth does not have the means to produce it. In John 14: 27, Jesus Christ confirms this truth that peace cannot be produced on earth but must be received from heaven.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives”.
Second, to Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul has the most extensive commentary on the power and necessity of prayer in the New Testament. Based on his call to spread the gospel to the known world, Paul’s life is a living testimony to those to whom he is writing. During the penning of the letter to the Philippians, Paul sits in a Roman jail awaiting a trial that will determine his fate. If anyone knew the power of prayer during difficult times the Apostle Paul knew first hand.
The amazing thing about prayer is it connects to a power higher than us. In my life prayer has had a 2 -fold benefits, during difficult times it has either changed my difficult circumstances or given me the power and peace to endure them. So, for any situation, we may encounter, we should pray to receive Gods promise of power and peace for every situation. Often along with His peace, He will open His treasure of wisdom and gives His divine perspective on our current situation. That’s good news.
Let’s face it, there are somethings There are some things that the current world system cannot provide, peace is one of them. Peace comes from heaven. When we come to God in prayer, we receive the assurance that He hears us, and His peace is the confirmation that He will supply all our needs whether physical or spiritual.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
4. Think Positive
One of the main reasons for anxiety disorders is negative thinking. Thinking the wrong thoughts is sure to produce fear and anxiety. In her book, the “Battlefield of the Mind” Joyce Meyer explores the concept of “thinking about what we are thinking about” In other words, many of us are not aware of our thoughts. Our thoughts control our emotions and our emotions in our actions. For many Americans thinking negative thoughts is just the normal way to look at perceived negative events. They never think to question the origin of a thought or long-held thought patterns. When we allow any thought to enter our minds without bringing them into the light of God’s word we allow negative thoughts to take root which creates a reality that is often false.
Here the Apostle instructs believers to take inventory of their thoughts. According to the book of Colossians, we are to “set our minds on things that are above and not below”. Yes, that’s right, we can set our minds. We have the God-given right to choose how we will think about any situation. No, this is not “magical thinking”, but the truth, we can set our minds on God’s promises to challenge what we perceive through our senses. By renewing our minds to God’s promises, we receive the peace that comes with knowing the truth and receive the blessings that Jesus Christ died for us to receive.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
5. Meditate
Since positive thinking is a remedy for overcoming anxiety than the next logical step is to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. We do this through meditation. An important step in overcoming anxiety is to actively and continually resist the temptation to think negative thoughts. Most of us didn’t start thinking negatively overnight. It was brought about by some traumatic event or a thinking pattern that we’ve had for some time. Therefore, to reverse this trend we will have to spend time meditating on God’s word to eventually make positive thoughts our “default” when facing negative events. So why do I think negatively about everything? That’s a good question. Well, thinking improper thoughts are a part of our fallen nature. After the fall of Adam, we were separated from God and dominated by our senses. As humans, we learned over time to make assumptions based on what we could see, hear and feel. However, now that we have been reunited with God through Jesus Christ, we have access to Gods thoughts based on His truth and not on what we perceive through the senses.
Doing this on a consistent basis will give us control over our thoughts and help us to experience joy, peace, and freedom in our thought life. I find it interesting that in most eastern religions some form of meditation is the norm, however, in the West where the incidences of anxiety are more prevalent it is hardly practiced even within the church. This isn’t because the Bible -an eastern document – doesn’t encourage mediation, but rather, that Christians in the West fail to use it.
Paul is the epitome of thinking the right thoughts in a bad situation. Writing from a jail cell, Paul encourages the Philippians to use the same strategy he uses. It one thing to have someone tell us what to do at a difficult time, it’s quite different to have someone demonstrate what to do in tough times. Paul learned to how to have peace during tough times, he taught the Philippians how to do the same.
The fact of the matter is that we all know how to mediate. According to Webster mediation is the “action of contemplating or reflecting of thought: or to rehearse”. We have all rehearsed the perceived negative outcome of a situation repeatedly, it called “worry”. The Apostle Paul is simply instructing us to reverse our strategy and “rehearse” or meditate on the good things that bring about good outcomes. Spending time meditating on goods things is a surefire way to alleviate the effects of anxiety and grant us peace in every situation.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
6. Look Forward
I have found another wrong thinking pattern that robs many American of peace and joy is having no hope for the future. I encounter people every day are stuck in the successes and failures of their past. I noticed that upon every conversation with them they spoke about the past and not the future. First, I thought that this was due to them having accomplished so much early in life that they were just content with their current station. But, I realized that this was not the case, in these instances most of them were thinking that in their 50’s there best days were behind them and had little hope of something greater for the future. The other side of the equation revealed that while some rest in past accomplishments others are stuck in past failures. Because of some past pain or setback experienced they don’t see the need to hope for anything greater for the future. Many in this group feel that life has been unfair and without the setback, they would be much further along in life. Both groups fail to realize that at any age their future can be greater than their past.
The life of the Apostle Paul exemplifies both mindsets about the future. First named Saul, the Apostle was born with rights and privileges not afforded to most in the Greco-Roman world. As a Jew, he was born a Roman citizen in the city of Tarsus that was known for its academic institutions of which Saul was a beneficiary. He studied at the feet of the great teacher Gamaliel and was one of the best litigators of Jewish law. At a young age, Saul reached the heights of his profession by becoming a member of the highest sect in Judaism. Saul was a Pharisee. Based on his past Saul had a lot to be proud of. But then things went wrong. Saul was feared by most of his countrymen because of his zeal for the Jewish law and sought to punish anyone who was guilty of a violation of Jewish customs.
The good news for Saul was that this all changed in one day. While traveling to Damascus to prosecute members of the “Way” -defectors from Judaism to Christianity- Saul saw a beam of light and was suddenly knocked to the ground. His personal encounter with God, caused his named to be changed to Paul and changed his view of religion. Paul recognized his faults and worked hard to change his life. Despite his controversial past, Paul went on to complete 3 missionary journeys, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ he once condemned. He wrote 12 New Testament epistles which comprise almost ½ of the New Testament.
As you can see the greatest Apostle of all times had a checkered past. He was praised by his peers for his legal expertise and feared by his countrymen for his misguided zeal for Judaism. However, despite his past, he had a one -on -one encounter with Jesus Christ that changed the course of his life. It moved him past the good and bad of his past and pushed him into the glorious future Jesus Christ planned for his life.
Just like the Apostle Paul, our lives are filled with the successes and failure of our past. But, the good news is -regardless of our age- Jesus Christ still has a great plan for our future. Every day that you arise is your opportunity to have a one-on-one encounter with God. By embracing God’s plan for your life, you can make today the first day of the rest of a bright and beautiful future.
‘Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
7. Trust God to Meet your Needs
Atop the list of things that cause American to feel anxious is a lack of financial security. Stress related to the state of the economy was high on the list of American polled for anxiety disorders. I think that anxious thoughts about our finances begin with the wrong perspective about what it means to be financially secure. Let’s shed some light on the issue. We often have anxious thoughts about our financial future because of our faith in financial institutions and not God. To rid ourselves of anxiety about the money we must realize that our jobs, banks accounts, and investments are earthly resources, God is our source. We begin to feel anxious and depressed about the economy when we failed to acknowledge this truth. To resolve this, we must convert our place a higher priority on Gods “eternal” system rather than the “temporary” system of the world.
There is only one thing consistent about human financial institutions- change. In market-based economies, there will be upswings and downturns that cause a ripple effect throughout the entire economy. A corporate lay-off can create recessionary responses in the economy due to job loss and a decrease in consumer spending which causes more layoffs and a drop in the corporate stock price which can reduce the value of short-term investments. You get the picture.
Subsequently, because of the relationship between the business sector and the overall economy, the banking and credit markets will also be affected. So, my point is clear, financial institutions will fluctuate and even fail because they are temporary. So, to combat anxiety when markets react as they do, we must have faith in a system that is not affected by market cycles but by how you respond in faith.
In Chapter 4 of the Philippians, the Apostle Paul shares with his readers the importance of having the right perspective on financial security. According to Acts chapter 16, Paul first arrived in Philippi in 51 AD on his 2nd missionary journey. Paul and his team were commissioned by God to sail to Philippi to fulfill the Macedonian Call. Philippi a military outpost, did not have enough male Jews to start a synagogue. After 3 days, Paul came upon a group of ladies praying near the river. Paul preached, and the women were saved. A woman named Lydia was in the group she was a successful business owner who sold purple to the elite and magistrates of the district. She invited Paul into her home and provided food for them as he preached the word of God. Lydia’s house was the first recorded church in Europe. During his further missionary travels, the Philippians were a source of financial support to the Apostles and his ministers. They also supported fellow Christians in Jerusalem with monetary gifts in the time of famine. Because of their generosity, Paul tells the Philippians, that they had tapped into the eternal resources of God. Because they had given generously, Paul assures them that they God will supply there needs according to His eternal financial system.
Again, when facing turbulent financial times, we should follow the instructions that Paul gave to the Philippians. Give. Instead of being anxious about the ups and downs of the worlds temporary system, we can tap into Gods system by being generous to others. Paul experienced the blessings of God through the Philippian Church. God sent Him to Philippi and paid for the trip. Paul knew that whatever God ordains, He pays for. So, when we give, we can have peace
in difficult financial times knowing that God has promised to meet all our needs according to the eternal system.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4: 19
In conclusion, the political climate in America today has many Americans exhibiting symptoms of fear and anxiety. Concerns over the direction of the nation have been the cause of an increase in reported cases of anxiety from 2017 to 2018. And, while there have been new strides made to educate the public about ways to deal with America’s anxiety epidemic, old, time-tested principles may offer a more promising remedy for this mental health disorder.
According to the Apostle Paul, America is not the first society to experience anxiety over political issues, but Philippians of the 1st century were also concerned about the polarizing edicts of the Roman Emperor. The Philippians endured the harsh reality of being caught between the religious excesses of the Jews and imperial Rome’s hard-line stance against Christianity.
Like the Philippians, most Americans feel powerless over the political, security and economic factors that affect them daily. However, through faith, prayer, humility, and looking forward people of all ages can overcome anxiety and live a life of peace and joy. Just as in the first century, Paul reminds us that it doesn’t matter who is in the White House or who the Emperor is if God is on the throne we can trust Him to take care of all our needs.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
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