The Secret of Being Less Anxious

Philippians 4:6, 7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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". But is it really as easy as that? And if so, why do most of us still struggle with anxiety?

It's helpful to take a look at a few other Bible passages that talk about anxiety. In Matthew 6:25 Jesus says "do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear." There is a principle we can apply based on what Jesus says here:

Principle 1: Don't worry (be anxious) about the basic essentials you need in order to carry out the purpose for which God created you. They are all you need, and God will provide them.

Luke 10:38-42 tells of how Jesus and his disciples visited the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha is busy fussing around getting everything "just right" for her guests, Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him. When Martha complains that her sister is not helping her, Jesus answers, "Martha, Martha, you are worried (anxious) and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (v. 41, 42). There is another principle we can apply based on what Jesus says here:

Principle 2: Don't worry (be anxious) about the many things in this life that we don't need (but think we do). Particularly, don't be anxious about those things that God has not promised to provide. The comforts of this life often distract us from the purpose for which God created us. So, in summary, don't worry about the things that God has promised to provide, because he will provide them. And don't worry about the things that God has not promised to provide, because you don't need them in order to serve him.

God may well (and usually does in Australia) bless us with an abundance of comforts that we really don't need in order to serve him effectively. If he blesses you with comforts, be thankful while you have them. If he takes them away, be thankful for what you had.

Job knew how to manage anxiety: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21).