The Problem of Letting Anxiety Control Our Lives

The wrong way to deal with anger problems is to dwell on them. Jesus Christ himself said in Matthew 6:25 and 31, and the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6, “Do not worry about anything.” We allow our daily dealings to turn into problems, that is, into sin, when our thoughts become focused on changing the future instead of fully managing our current situation.

Such thoughts are fruitless; they dominate us. However, it should be the opposite and cause us to neglect our other responsibilities and relationships, making us feel guilty. If we don’t deal with these feelings productively by getting back on track with our duties in life, we will lose hope instead of finding answers. Anxiety, left untreated, can debilitate anyone’s mind and body and even lead to panic attacks.

Worry is a common temptation for all of us. The cause of anxiety may be different for each person, but no one is completely immune to it. For some, it’s even a hobby, spending much of their day worrying about their doubts and forebodings about the future.

The frenzy of these doubts shows a clear distrust of God’s power and love. It basically says, “God, I know you mean well, but I’m not sure you can pull it off.” It is one thing to doubt the future’s judgment or conclusions; it is another thing to doubt God. Worry is a sin into which we fall easily and often.

It also has physical effects, but even minor worries can have a negative impact on your health. Excessive worry causes some people to overeat, and some people stop eating or may not eat properly when they are worried. In general, anxiety often impairs health.

Worse, worry can also cause significant damage to your spiritual well-being. As you read the Bible, you see again and again that God wants His children to live in His presence, not in the worldly things of this world. His command is clear. In Colossians 3:2, it is written, “Set your mind on things above and not on things on the earth.”

It also includes basic necessities. In our society, most people do not have to worry about their ability to find water and bread on a daily basis. But in the New Testament world, these things were facts and concerns, and Jesus’ teaching was clear that even these basic things should not be excuses for concern. See Matthew 6:25.

Today, people’s concerns and fears about these basic needs are manifested in various ways, mostly through hoarding. Some people store food and water, others money. But regardless of the object, the practice of hoarding is fundamentally an attempt to determine one’s own destiny apart from faith and trust in God.

This does not mean that we should not prepare for the future. Believers are commanded to be financially responsible and take care of their families. See 1 Timothy 5:8.

However, preparing for the future must be balanced with Jesus’ command. It is written in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness.” Then in Matthew 6:20, it is written, “Rather lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Whatever God has given us to fulfill His holy purposes, we should not be prideful of it.

I believe in wise planning, but if after all you have done, you still fear the future, the Lord says, “Do not worry.” He promised to provide all your needs, and He will. In Philippians 4:19, it is written, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That’s His concern, not yours.

It should be clear by now that anxiety is not good for you. It is a sin that the Lord clearly forbids; it has a spiritual cost. But it’s also bad for your health, your productivity, and your relationships. It wreaks havoc in your life; it binds your mind.

Then why do we find it so easy to indulge in? This is a sin that traps most believers from time to time. Shouldn’t we know better? Furthermore, shouldn’t we be able to find solutions in the Word to overcome our anxiety and keep ourselves from falling into trouble?

I pray this sermon gives you strength. God bless you all.”