New Reminders: Fear and Anxiety

The Bible tells us again and again not to worry, not to be anxious about anything.  For example, Philippians 4:6-7 puts it this way: “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."

That sounds like we can put our trust in God, and all will be well.  While we know that we should trust in God, when someone we love or we ourselves are in danger, fear is inevitable and is an appropriate response.  Fear clues the body to duck when a projectile is coming at our head.  Adrenaline pumps through our veins and we run for dear life when a bull is charging at us. 

So, which is it?  Are we supposed to react to fear and save ourselves or are we supposed to wait and pray that God steps in?  Presumably, it was God, the creator, who put the adrenaline in our systems to warn us of danger that permits us to respond quickly, yet turns around and says, “Fear not for I am with you”? That seems contradictory!

The question may be purely a matter of semantics, in the difference between fear and anxiety.  Objective fear (seeing a raging bull charging) and subjective fear or anxiety (worry about what might happen) are two different things.  We need to react immediately to imminent danger, but we don’t need to conjure up problems that may or may not happen and anxiously expect the worst.  It is prudent to respond to a storm warning, but don’t sit in the shelter for days fearing that another storm might come.  God’s grace is sufficient, even if the worst happens, and getting all worked-up ahead of time cannot change what will happen.

Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) served as the 30th president of the United States (1923-1929).  He stated, “If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you.”  Wise and helpful words!  The Week, 9/1/23, p.17

Jesus addresses the exhaustion that comes from life’s stresses, including anxiously from overthinking.  In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Here, Jesus is encouraging us to find relief from overthinking, and all other anxiety and stress, through a relationship with him.