Anxiety is a way of life for many Americans. I understand why the country as a whole isn’t dealing well with the continuing chaos and disorder. But why are Christians anxious? Anxious churches full of anxious Christians are a weak witness for Christ. And that is of no use to an anxious country. Followers of Jesus can avoid the web of worry blanketing the country.
Author June Hunt’s thoughts characterize our present culture. She says that anxious people live with varying degrees of worry and fear. Their uneasiness or distress usually stems from a threat, from something unknown, or from uncertainty. It’s fearing that something will happen, but having no control over whether it will or not. Anxiety can lead to overestimating the likelihood of danger or a negative outcome. Fear then begins to dominate people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions—preventing them from a normal life. (June Hunt, founder of Hope for the Heart.)
Philippians 4:6–7 tells believers to, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So, why are Christians anxious?
First, anxiety reveals a lack of communication with the Lord, not to mention a lack of gratitude and trust. And that leaves hearts and minds unguarded to spiritual attack. Additionally, a lack of biblical understanding keeps many churchgoers in a dungeon of despair. They seem dismayed when corruption is exposed or when catastrophes take place, even though the Bible tells us that the latter days are perilous.
Scripture also tells us about the imminent rapture of the Church and the Lord’s ultimate victory. So, a biblical understanding of our times assures us of God’s sovereignty and our security. It allows us to live with the “peace of God that passes all comprehension.” That’s the difference in living by faith and living by sight. Our emotions are easily manipulated when our faith is weak.
I love America, and I am burdened about what is happening in our country. But my heart belongs first and foremost to Christ and His kingdom. My prayer is for the Church of the living God to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that the anxious of heart find refuge and peace in the sovereignty and security of Jesus Christ.