ANXIETY – (as defined in the Webster’s 1928 Dictionary) – noun
concern or solicitude respecting some event, future or uncertain, which disturbs the mind, and keeps it in a state of painful uneasiness. it expresses more than uneasiness or disturbance, and even more than trouble or solicitude. it usually springs from fear or serious apprehension of evil, and involves a suspense respecting an event, and often, a perplexity of mind, to know how to shape our conduct.
A big issue in today’s world and especially in the lives of our teens. Anxiety, fear of the unknown, is addressed specifically and in multiple ways throughout the Bible.
By tracing the theme of anxiety, peace, and rest, we uncover a web of godly promises and holy support to recognize that there is freedom promised from this spirit of fear but it often doesn’t simply descend on us in a miraculous blanket of peace; we have instructions to obey in order to receive this gift of peace.
When negative emotions arise, may our teens see it as a red flag to take a look at their spiritual lives. The Word says God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. He tells us that perfect love casts out fear. So if we fear, perhaps we are not truly trusting in God’s love over our lives to the extent that we should.
Also, this is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to healing from anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by many things. Even certain foods eaten at specific times in the day can give me physical anxiety! But I believe most of us can agree that we leave a lot on the table when it comes to seeking God’s word before we seek professional doctoral advice in regards to anxiety.
May all of us, including our teens, learn to not put our hope and “trust in chariots or horses”, but to trust in the Lord our God FIRST. (Psalm 20:7) Seek Him for His advice and then walk the path He puts before you. For some, it may be a sidewalk to the psychiatrist and for others, it may be a quiet morning of honest humility in the presence of the Lord and acknowledging that our fear stems from our doubt of His concern for us.
This video and article are addressing anxiety as the latter of the two.
May our teens recognize that anxiety is not God’s will for them. It’s not “who they are.” It’s symptomatic of a deeper issue and the Lord is allowing the anxiety to manifest in order to alert them that something in their spirit is out of alignment. May they be gracious with themselves and maintain a soft, teachable heart throughout their healing journey. The Lord has great plans for them!
Psalm 46:2
John 16:33
Deuteronomy 31:6
Joshua 1:9
2 Kings 6:16
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 55:22
Proverbs 3:24-25
Isaiah 35:4
Isaiah 41:10
Hebrews 13:6
Psalm 94:19
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 10:28-31
John 14:27
1 Peter 5:6-7
1 John 4:18
Psalm 56:3
Psalm 112:6-7
Provers 29:25
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Matthew 6:25-34
Let’s look at different topics from the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and perspectives from which to view ANXIETY. (For more help with using a “Tommy Bible”, here’s a video on how I use it for making prayer Bibles.)
ANXIETY – 199
See also: Worldly Care 3021
UNREST – 3020 – needless fear; believers need not fear
See also: Doubters 1224, Salvation 3119
WORLDLY WORRY – 3021 – the folly of
See also: Anxiety 199, Business Cares 562, Parental Concern 1642
The Bible also references ANXIETY by speaking about it’s opposites: REST and PEACE. There is much to be gleaned from learning that God desires and promises REST and PEACE for those that love Him.
REST – 3010 – state of ceasing from work, activity, and motion; rest enjoined
See also: Sabbath Observance 3099
REST – 3011 – spiritual rest; spiritual examples
See also: Quietness 2934, Satisfaction 984, Contentment Enjoined 829
PEACE – 3012 – spiritual peace
See also: Quietness 2934
PEACE – 3013– promised to believers
PEACE – 3014 – bestowed through Christ
PEACE – 3015 – duty of seeking
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