In A World Filled With Chaos, Pain, And Vast Uncertainty, Is It Any Wonder So Many People Are Anxious?

I work as a family counselor, and I am very aware that many who suffer from anxiety and depression truly need a physician’s intervention. There are others, though, like with the COVID-19 pandemic, who allow anxious thoughts to rule their minds instead of the peace they have received in Christ. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15 niv). 

When we allow our minds to become overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control, it is easy to lose sight of God's truth, which will calm our anxious hearts. Jesus says to His followers, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33 esv). 

When we feel ourselves becoming overwhelmed and anxious, holding on to these undeniable truths concerning God’s constant character can settle our spirits, re-route our thoughts, and bring us peace beyond all human understanding. 

God is a good Father.

God is good — period. Even when we don’t understand all that’s happening around us or to us, remember, God is always good. God doesn’t dole out evil. He gives us His peace, His rest, His comfort and healing in the midst of it. 

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him (Matthew 7:9 esv). 

God knows us intimately.

Every detail. Every thought. God knows us best and loves us most. 

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether (Psalm 139:4 esv). 

God is all-knowing.

Our good Father knows things we cannot fathom. He made our minds finite (limited) on purpose. There are some things we will not know or understand this side of heaven. Things like: Why do children have to die? Why did my loved one take their own life? Why do good people suffer? Why did my marriage fail? God knows it all. To some of our questions He gives us answers, and to others He does not. This is not cruel. This is His mercy shown to us because we could not live our lives well knowing all things. We need Him to navigate us through. 

But to this day, the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear (Deuteronomy 29:4 esv). 

God is trustworthy.

As a child, did you ever crawl up in your father’s lap to feel safe? During moments when you cried, did he comfort you? This is a picture of what our heavenly Father, Abba, does for us. Do you need to feel safe? It’s hard to be comforted by someone who’s far away from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8 esv). We must trust God by leaning into Him. That’s when the comfort comes. In Him is where our strength comes from. 

You may be thinking, I can’t possibly do that. God isn’t pleased with me. I don’t deserve His comfort and compassion. The fact is, none 

of us do. Think of it this way: You are a parent, and your child comes running to you because she’s burned herself 

on the iron. Even though you gave her ample warning, would you not immediately cradle her, give her comfort, dry her tears, and provide her with proper bandaging for healing? How much more, then, is Christ able and willing to provide us with what we need in our time of distress? Lean in. He is worthy of our trust. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 esv). 

When I’m feeling anxious in this crazy, upside-down world, these reminders of who my heavenly Father is help me to remain calm so I can carry on. 

 

GENA LINDSEY, MA, LPC

is as an individual and family therapist. She is married to Morgan and has a daughter, a son, and two step-daughters. Gena enjoys spending time with family, baking, crafting, and reading.