Jesus and Anxiety: Jesus’ Advice on Anxiety and How to Combat It
Jesus speaks on how to approach anxiety as Christians living in the Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, He dedicates a significant portion to this topic, providing three key principles to help us navigate a world filled with worry and anxiety. Remarkably, these principles align with recent neuroscience on how our brains and nervous systems work, helping us calm our bodies and minds during hardship.
1. Look at Birds and Flowers
The first instruction Jesus Christ gives is to look at flowers and birds. While this may seem like unusual advice, it is actually a powerful step in managing fear, worry, and anxiety. Recent neuroscience and works like "The Body Keeps the Score" reveal how our bodies store emotions and trauma, leading to anxiety. Jesus encourages us to observe birds and flowers for three main reasons:
Grounding Ourselves
By reconnecting with our physical surroundings, we can soothe and calm much of our inner turmoil. Walking barefoot on grass, taking deep breaths, and moving our bodies can release the stress stored in our muscles. This grounding practice helps us to feel more centered and connected to the present moment, reducing the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and help our mental health. The physical act of immersing ourselves in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and promote a sense of well-being.
Recognizing God's Control
Nature reminds us of the unforced rhythms of God's grace. Anxiety often stems from feeling out of control. Observing nature helps us remember our "smallness" and God's sovereignty, reassuring us that while we are not in control, He is. Jesus points out that not even a sparrow falls without God's knowledge. Our Heavenly Father feeds the birds in the sky so how much more will he take care of you? This realization can bring us peace, knowing that the Lord God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and is ultimately in control. The natural world's harmony and order reflect God's care and meticulous provision.
Matthew 6:30, “But if this is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith”
Acknowledging His Love and Provision
Jesus assures us that if God takes care of birds and flowers, He will surely care for us. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to replace anxiety with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, trusting in God's provision. Jesus emphasizes that anxiety adds nothing to our lives; instead, we should trust in His love and control. This promise of care and provision is a powerful antidote to worry, reminding us that we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator. Reflecting on these truths can transform our mindset, shifting our focus from our anxieties to God’s unwavering faithfulness and help us overcome anxiety.
2. Seek First the Kingdom
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," promising that all our needs will be met if we do so. This verse, rich in meaning, calls us to prioritize God's Kingdom above all else. The Kingdom of God refers to the rule and reign of Christ wherever His presence and authority dwell.
We are called to examine our lives and ensure that Christ is enthroned in every area. This means allowing His values, teachings, and presence to influence our decisions, actions, and thoughts. When Christ is King, His presence brings peace and rest. By submitting to Him and seeking first His Kingdom, we find the tranquility we need amidst life's uncertainties.
To seek His Kingdom means to actively pursue a relationship with God, to align our lives with His will, and to trust in His provision. It involves a shift in focus from our worries to His sovereignty. Jesus promises that when we prioritize His Kingdom, our needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—will be met. This assurance allows us to live with less anxiety and more faith, knowing that our ultimate security lies in God.
In practical terms, seeking the Kingdom involves daily disciplines such as prayer, studying Scripture, and living out the principles Jesus taught. It also means fostering a heart of service and compassion towards others, reflecting the values of God's Kingdom in our interactions. This pursuit reorients our lives around God’s purposes, reducing the space for anxiety to take hold.
3. Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
Jesus concludes His teaching on anxiety with a powerful statement: "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." This captures the essence of anxiety—worrying about the future. Jesus encourages us to stay grounded in the present, trusting in His provision and presence.
In our anxious moments, he wants us to focus on the "what is" rather than the "what ifs" of the future. Anxiety often involves ruminating on potential problems and uncertainties that may never come to pass. By redirecting our focus to the present moment, we can alleviate much of this unnecessary stress.
Philippians 4:8 advises us to think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, promising that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This practice of mindfulness and positive thinking helps us to maintain a healthy mental state, reducing anxiety and promoting peace.
Jesus' teaching here encourages us to live one day at a time, appreciating the present and trusting God with our future. This mindset not only reduces intense anxiety but also enhances our ability to experience joy and gratitude in the present moment. By focusing on what we can do today and leaving tomorrow in God's hands, we find a deeper sense of peace and contentment.
Support from Share the Struggle
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, Share the Struggle is here to support you in various ways:
Coaching
Connect with a Christian coach to help you see Jesus in the midst of your struggle and move towards growth and healing. Our coaches are trained to provide personalized support, helping you navigate your challenges with faith and resilience. Through one-on-one sessions, coaches can offer practical advice, spiritual guidance, and emotional support tailored to your unique situation.
Courses
Our topical, expert-led video courses provide tools for navigating life's greatest struggles, creating a space to connect with others and encounter God's presence. These courses cover a range of topics, offering practical insights and strategies for managing anxiety, overcoming obstacles, and fostering spiritual growth. The courses also facilitate community building, allowing you to share your journey with others facing similar challenges and find mutual encouragement.
Training
The Helping Helpers Course equips leaders and helpers with practical frameworks for supporting those in struggle, covering topics like anxiety, shame, trauma, grief, and more. This training is designed for both formal leaders (such as pastors and small group leaders) and informal helpers (such as family, friends, and volunteers), providing them with the tools they need to offer effective and compassionate support.
The Helping Helpers L.E.S.S. (Listen, Explore, Share, Support) framework equips helpers with the tools for active listening, root cause exploration, 3-story discipleship, and knowing when to involve other forms of support. This comprehensive approach ensures that helpers are well-prepared to assist others through various challenges, offering practical guidance and emotional support.
Furthermore, the training walks participants through specific considerations and tools for helping someone through anxiety, shame, trauma, miscarriage, pornography addiction, grief, eating disorders, and suicide prevention. By equipping helpers with these skills, we aim to create a network of support that fosters healing and growth within our communities.
Frequently Asked Jesus and Anxiety Questions
What did Jesus have to say about anxiety?
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” is what Jesus says in Matthew 6. Along with what Jesus said, he also teaches us how to combat anxiety through prayer. Jesus prayed in Luke 22 in the Garden of Gethsemane asking the Heavenly Father to remove the cup of suffering from him and that not his will be done but the Father’s will.
What does God say about anxiety?
Philippians 4:6-7, it is written, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Additionally, 1 Peter 5:7 encourages believers to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," reminding us that God is always there to support and comfort us in our times of need.
How do I give God my anxiety?
If are feeling overwhelming anxiety, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, or just anxiety, give God your anxiety through prayer. This means intentionally bringing your worries to Him and trusting in His divine support. Start by honestly sharing your fears and concerns with God, asking for His guidance and peace. Through consistent prayer, let go of the need to control the outcome and trust God is working for your good. Remember to thank Him for His faithfulness and for the peace that comes from His presence in your life.
Is anxiety a lack of faith in God?
To determine if our anxiety is a lack of faith in God, we need to know which type of anxiety we're dealing with. We can do this by carefully examining the context and underlying causes.
Self-Reflection: Consider whether your anxiety is a natural, God-given response or if it is disordered and requires medical attention.
Evaluate Behavior: Reflect on whether your anxiety results from specific sinful actions or a broader lack of trust in God. If it’s neither, it may be a different source of anxiety.
Seek Guidance: When uncertain, seek counsel from trusted spiritual advisors or mental health professionals.
What is the root cause of anxiety in the Bible?
1. God-Given Emotional Response
Explanation: Anxiety can be a natural, God-given emotional response to potential threats. It serves as a warning system to help us prepare for future dangers.
Biblical Context:
In instances where immediate danger is present, such as encountering wild animals or facing life-threatening situations, fear and anxiety are natural responses. These responses are beneficial and not considered sinful. They are part of our God-given survival mechanism.
Example:
David’s fear when fleeing from Saul is an example of a God-given emotional response that led him to take necessary actions to protect his life (1 Samuel 21:10-15).
2. Disordered Physiological Response
Explanation: Some anxiety is a result of disordered physiological processes. This can include conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety, where anxiety becomes chronic and debilitating.
Biblical Context:
The Bible does not explicitly mention clinical anxiety, but it acknowledges human frailty and the need for healing and support. Jesus’ ministry included healing various ailments, reflecting God’s compassion for our physical and mental well-being.
Example:
The overall biblical principle of seeking healing and support for physical and mental ailments can be applied here. Jesus’ compassion towards those suffering and his healing ministry (Matthew 4:24) reflects this understanding.
3. Natural Consequence of Sin
Explanation: Anxiety can be a natural consequence of sinful behavior. When we engage in actions that go against God’s commands, the resulting guilt, shame, and fear can lead to anxiety.
Biblical Context:
The Bible often links disobedience and sin with negative emotional and psychological outcomes. Sin separates us from God, leading to feelings of anxiety and distress as a natural consequence.
Example:
Adam and Eve’s fear and hiding after sinning in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8-10) illustrate how sin leads to anxiety and fear of facing God’s judgment.
4. Sinful Responses to God’s Providential Care
Explanation: This type of anxiety arises from a lack of trust in God’s provision and care. It reflects a deeper spiritual issue where worry overshadows faith.
Biblical Context:
Jesus and Paul address this type of anxiety directly. Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:25-34 and Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:6-7 encourage believers to trust in God’s provision and not to be anxious about their needs.
Example:
In Luke 12:22-30, Jesus reassures his disciples about God’s care for them, using examples from nature to illustrate that worry about basic needs stems from a lack of faith.
Conclusion
Jesus, who gives us eternal life, provides us with timeless principles for managing anxiety, rooted in both spiritual wisdom and modern science. By looking at birds and flowers, seeking first the Kingdom of God, and focusing on the present moment, we can find peace and rest in His presence. At Share the Struggle, we are committed to supporting you through coaching, courses, and training, helping you to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience.
God bless you. Grace and peace to you in the powerful Name of Jesus!
