According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 300 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. But, what exactly is anxiety? The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening or might happen in the future.”
At some point in our lives, every one of us has been surrounded by worry. On the surface, the people around us may appear calm and collected – smiling, following their routines, carrying on as normal. But behind that outward appearance, there may be an inner chaos that only the person themselves can truly describe.
Worry is not just a fleeting thought that passes through the mind. Left unchecked, it can grow into something that drains our strength and isolates us from others. Many who suffer with worry describe living with constant fear, sleepless nights, insecurity, and even panic.
What are you worried about?
While the causes may vary from person to person, the important thing is what can actually be done about them?
The Bible speaks directly to this issue. In Philippians 4:6–7, we read: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
At first glance, “be anxious for nothing” might sound easier said than done. But the verse doesn’t stop there – it gives us the antidote. Instead of holding our worries inside, or relying only on friends and family (valuable though they may be), God invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer.
That’s the difference. Others may offer comfort or even practical help which is temporary, but only God can bring lasting peace.
Even the Lord Jesus Himself experienced a moment of deep anguish when He knew He was about to die on the cross. The Bible says He was so distressed that He sweated blood (Luke 22:44). Yet, in that moment, He showed us what to do: He withdrew to pray. He poured out His heart to God.
That is the way forward for us too. When we pray, we hand over our burdens to the only One who can truly solve them and when we leave them in His hands – trusting Him to take care of them – the peace of God begins to guard our hearts, even when the circumstances don’t change straight away.
If you’ve spent weeks, months, or even years trying to find peace on your own, only to feel relief for a moment before the worries return – perhaps it’s time to do something different.
This Friday, 22nd August, at your nearest Universal Church, we will hold a special meeting as part of our 13 Fridays to Tie Up Evil Chain of Prayer. It will be a Day to Combat Your Worries – an opportunity to lay your worries before God and discover the peace that passes all understanding.
Sources:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/anxiety
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
