What should I do when I’m anxious?

09 Feb What should I do when I’m anxious?

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-24

Thought for the Day: It’s time to slow down.

Today, Americans have become aware of our heightened level of collective anxiety. Whether the root cause is the usage of smartphones, social media, constant access to entertainment, or something else entirely is a question best left to psychologists and social scientists. However, there is no question that we are now more anxious than ever. But even so, some point out that our anxiety actually has a few benefits. Often low-level anxiety acts like an “internal alarm system”. When we become more aware of our feelings, we can avoid repeating mistakes and live with a greater level of intentionality.

For Christians, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are reminders to trust God. When we act by faith, we start to understand that God always goes before us. The Bible tells us that everyone was paralyzed by fear as they looked at Goliath. “All the men of Israel, when they saw [Goliath], fled from him and were much afraid.” Unlike everyone else, David saw the menace of Goliath as an opportunity to trust God. Rather than shutting down in a state of fear or impulsively charging at his opponent, David slowed down. His willingness to trust God is what set him up for success as David’s faith allowed him to live intentionally.

Whatever scares us can also serve as a reminder to trust in God. Whenever we face our fears, our internal alarm system will be activated. At these moments, it is important to pause rather than submit to a “fight or flight” tendency. When we pause, we can remember that God is greater than anything that causes us to be afraid. When we live with newfound intentionality, we can take a breath and see that God provides solutions for even the most difficult situations. However, we will never learn this lesson if we don’t first slow down and pause!

In Christ,

Pastors Stan and David