Now what shall I choose to be anxious about today?

As a counsellor, one of the most common issues that clients bring to the counselling room is anxiety. Excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life, like health, finances, work, family, relationships or other matters. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) acknowledges that "Anxiety weighs down the heart”.

Modern science would add a plethora of signs other than a heavy heart. Restlessness, fatigue difficulty concentrating, irritability, disturbed sleep, overthinking, indecision, fear of making the wrong decision, avoidance of situations, procrastination, constant seeking of re-assurance. Anxiety has always been a principle factor in our existence. How do you think our anxiety today compares with the past? Lets take the advent of WW2 as a comparison.

Global war and conflict:

1939: The human toll of the Great Depression was only just passing, to be replaced by the onset of WW2, with its threat of global conflict, safety of loved ones, and the possibility of conscription. Today: Fears about geopolitical tensions (the Middle East, the U.S. and China/Russia) abound, as well as concerns over terrorism, cyber warfare, and potential for nuclear conflict.

Economic Uncertainty:

1939: Following the Great Depression, people still faced high unemployment, poverty, and economic instability. Today: Anxiety is more focused towards income inequality, job insecurity, high personal debt, and rising cost of living.

Health:

1939: Anxiety focused on physical toll of war… injury, death, and the spread of diseases by war. Mental health was misunderstood and stigmatised. Today: Our focus is drawn to the fear of pandemics, health issues and the pressures of modern lifestyles.

Technology:

1939: The destructive potential of new weapons, and concerns over the use of radio and propaganda. Today: Fears about privacy, data security, job displacement and information overload and burnout with a relentless stream of news, opinions, and comparisons with others. Medias current favourite hobby horse is of course the rise of “Artificial Intelligence” and its existential threat to humanity.

Environmental issues:

1939: Global environmental anxiety was scarcely an issue. Concerns were more localised. Today: Environmental anxiety is rife, with concerns over climate change, natural disasters, pollution, and the sustainability of natural resources.

So one could say, in the anxiety stakes, as much as things change, the more they stay the same 

What is to be our response as Christians?

Well, my starting point is an acknowledgement that we are made in Gods image and that in human form Jesus also suffered from anxiety and responded to the anxiety of others. We see his anxiety in The Garden of Gethsemane - Mark 14:32-42 and Jesus cry on the cross - Matthew 27:46.

But more often we see him calming and healing others amid their anxiety: The Calming of the Storm - Matthew 8:23-27;  The Raising of Lazarus - John 11:1-44; The Woman with the Issue of Blood - Mark 5:25-34; Jesus Comforting His Disciples at the last supper - John 14:1-4; and many more.

So we should not be surprised at our own experiences of anxiety, it is a natural human emotion... It’s just that sometimes it can overwhelm us and become disproportionate to the actual risks we face in life.

Jesus, wholly aware of this provides instruction to the disciples in Matthew 6:25-34 - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life …”, He emphasises God's provision for all His creation, encouraging us to trust in God's care and the promise of spending eternity in God’s presence.

"Do not worry"

This is not a suggestion for their well-being but a command… “DO NOT WORRY”.  Something, hard to conjure up in the heat of our anxiety, we would be wise to reflect and ruminate on whilst we are at peace, ready to employ that deep sense of calm when anxiety rears its head.

I am reminded of a sketch, by one of my favourite comedians Bob Newhart. I wont summarise it but you can watch it here for your edification and delight. There is a lovely underlying observation embedded therein that we can be quite accepting of our own anxieties yet highly critical of others fears and worries.

Pauls advice in Philippians 4:6-7 is:

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.

And 1 Peter 5:7; "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Next Steps

For many, having someone with whom they can talk through their anxieties can be helpful. Perhaps a trusted friend who can pray with you, a Christian mentor, or a professional counsellor through a practise such as the Guernsey Counselling Service.