Set Free: From Uncertainty
Anxiety
“An emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.”
- The American Psychological Association
Anxiety Disorder
“People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time.”
- Mayo Clinic
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness affecting approximately 40 million American adults – 19.1% of the population that is 18 years old and older.
- National Institute of Mental Health
Worry is fearful thinking and fearful feelings about circumstances, people, and things that often causes a physical response.
The Rise of Anxiety
Worry, anxiety, and fear are rampant today because:
- We are living in changing times
- Social media
- Constant access to news
- Isolated
God doesn’t want us to be stuck in worry, fear, and anxiety.
- The phrase “do not fear” is used 365 times in the Bible
God wants you to experience freedom from the struggle of uncertainty. In the Bible, God gives us the antidote to worry, anxiety, and fear.
The antidote is the peace of God.
“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.”
Philippians 4:6-7
The Peace of God
1. Guards you
- “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7
- “guard” is military term meaning to “stand guard, garrison”
2. Guides you
- “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” - Philippians 4:9
- It guides you through the uncertainty
You experience the Peace of God through
1. Prayer
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:6
- Prayer involves adoration, petition, and thanksgiving
- Sadly, many Christians believe in God but live as Christian-Atheists
2. Proper Thinking
- “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” - Philippians 4:8
- 40 Years ago a study was conducted on the things we worry about.
They discovered that:
• 40% of the things we worry about never happen
• 30% of our worries concern the past
• 12% are needless worries about our health
• 10% are insignificant or petty
• 8% are legitimate issues
• In other words, 92% of our worry is over things that won’t happen or things we can’t change.- Practice
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” - Philippians 4:9
Anxiety causes indecision and inaction.
American culture is obsessed with security and comfort. We bring this into the church and our relationship with God.
Safety, comfort, and fear of failure rule our culture - causing people to not step out and instead be okay with being average. What passes for great now is just rebranded average.
When building the Golden Gate Bridge…
- 11 men died – 1 fell and died, 10 died when a trolley collapsed.
- 19 fell and survived because of the net
Stop trusting in your “labels” instead of the promises of God.
Start trusting God to be who He says He is and do what He says He will do.
“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy… But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.”
Psalm 94:18-19,22
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Overcome worry, anxiety, and fear with the ongoing experience of the Peace of God that will guard you and guide you as you pray, think rightly, and put your faith into practice.