Dealing With Anxiety Disorders
Movement Live Notes
In July 2019, 8.2% of adults showed signs of anxiety disorder. July 2020, 36% of adults showed signs of anxiety disorder. We can see an upward trajectory of adults who are now suffering or can at least acknowledge that they are now suffering from some form of anxiety. These are real issues, and we, the church, often don't like to talk about them. Even though we may struggle in this way ourselves, we think that we can pray it away, or the blood of Jesus will wash it away. But with anxiety, we must couple practical ways of handling our minds and thoughts with prayer. This morning we have discussed knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, and following Jesus, but still dealing with anxiety which comes in many forms. It can be emotional anxiety. It can be situational anxiety. It can be spiritual anxiety. It can be psychological anxiety.
The fact that a matter is ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, anxiety is complicated. Until you can identify that you're suffering from anxiety or dealing with some type of anxiety disorder, you will not be able to heal from it or overcome it. If you are a follower of Jesus today and you feel anxious, we want you to know that your anxiety has not caused you to fail God. Whatever is triggering anxiety in you, don't think that the feelings of anxiousness or worry have caused you to feel as though you failed to God. Often times we believe that anxiety equals sin. We don't think this to be true. We believe that anxiety is much like anger. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4:26a, "Be angry, and yet do not sin." This means that we can be angry; however, we should refrain from allowing our anger to cause us to sin. This is the same for anxiety. Feelings of anxiousness are not sin. It is what we do with those feelings, and because of those feelings, that can be sin. For example, suppose a person is having anxious thoughts and decides to combat those thoughts with drunkenness. In that case, that is the sin, not the anxiety itself. Have you been experiencing anxiety? How have you been dealing with it? Have you bottled it up internally? Have you found solace in alcohol, drugs, or sex? Have you just completely shut down? Let's discuss a few practical ways to help with anxiety.
Movement Nation, we want to encourage you to first talk to friends about it. Reach out to someone near you that can help you through this. Find a Meetup to get plugged in to so that other brothers and sisters in Christ can carry this burden with you. Second, talk to God. Pray. Set aside time where you are spending real, intimate time with God, laying every burden at His feet. Third, speak truth to the feelings of anxiety that you are experiencing. Constant repetition of the truth of God and His promises can help us remember precisely who God is and what He is capable of. And fourth, seek professional help. This is often frowned upon in culture, especially in the church; however, it is a key component of dealing with anxiety. Seek professional help. It is ok to be honest enough to know when and if we need this type of help.
Brothers and sisters, friends and family, our ultimate goal today is to encourage each and every one of you during this time. We want you to know that we are here for you and are available to talk with you. We hope this message has been encouraging for you, and something has been said to bring about change for you. We love you all. Go in peace.
