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Anxiety is a “strange creature” because it can bring terrible misery and discomfort to those who allow it into their lives. According to medicenet.com the following are some common symptoms of anxiety:
Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness or a feeling of being “edgy”
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sweating
Difficulty concentrating
The need to go to the bathroom frequently
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trembling
Being easily startled
One website listed over 100 symptoms of anxiety (www.anxietycentre.com). For years drugs to relieve anxiety have been some of the most widely prescribed in America.
Along with the mental and physical discomfort it brings into our lives, anxiety also brings spiritual problems. God’s word tells Christians not to be anxious! We also find in His word the cure for anxiety.
Phil. 4:6-8 “Be anxious for nothing, (KJV has “Be careful for nothing”) but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
In his notes on Phil. 4:6-8 James M. Tolle writes,
“The word ‘anxious’…is here used synonymously with worry, the fearful, fretful, oppressive state of mind …” He goes on to write, “The phrase ‘in nothing’ emphatically declares that such anxiety is always wrong, under any and all circumstances….The apostle here gives the antidote for anxiety; reliance on the munificence (generosity L.B.), goodness, and care of God through prayer. In effect, he says, ‘In all things prayer-in nothing anxiety’”
In 1 Pet. 5:7 Peter writes, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”.
Frank J. Dunn quotes H. A. Ironsides as he writes, “If you worry, you do not trust; if you trust you do not worry” The trust referred to is our trust in God. Brother Dunn continues quoting,
“Why worry when you can pray. The average person would rather worry than pray. It is our own fault that we worry so much, for it is because we do not pray more. If we would hand it over to Him, commit our way to the Lord, it would be so different” (The Book of Psalms, Vol. 1, The Eight Annual Southwest Lectures, 1989).
Anxiety is the problem — prayer and trust in God is the cure!
Braggs Church of Christ 