How Anxiety Robs us of Our Trust in God

Posted on by Keith Haney Posted in Dealing with DepressionTagged ,
man praying on holy bible in the morning
man praying on holy bible in the morning

Growing up I thought something was amiss with me because I was not a happy go lucky kind of kid, I perceived the world from a more intellectual context, a more concerned point of view.  At that time, I had no idea there was a clinical name for my condition.  I assumed it was just me being more introspective than my peers.  I had a hard time just living life in the moment.  Thoughts of “what if” regularly ran and still do at times through my head.  Later I would discover I am not alone.  Other poor souls are on this journey with me, it’s called anxiety.    Like many other conditions, there are many various levels of this trust-robbing monster.   Here is how one article describes this situation.

“It’s a normal part of life to experience occasional anxiety. But you may experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. If it’s an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are real, serious medical conditions – just as real and serious as physical disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States.”1You may be asking yourself why in the world would you share something so intimate?  I believe that in sharing you will better know me and also maybe it will support how you deal with life if anxiety is your constant bedfellow.

The Triggers:

There are seasons when the anxiety is so modest I don’t detect its existence. However, I have likewise noticed that there are triggers in my life that set the stress in high gear.  One of those triggers is pending changes or uncertainty.  I am at a stage in my adventure with the next four months is entirely up in the air.  So, the anxiety is running at Usain Bolt speed.  During a recent conversation with God, where I let him do the talking, He gave me this phrase to calm my troubled spirit. “Worry gives you the false impression that somehow you are doing something to contribute to the solution of your fears, but what you are doing is getting into my (God’s) business.”  Wow, that hit me like a ton of bricks.  I had allowed my issues to shove God right out of my soul, or at least relegate him to a back seat.  My anxiety was robbing me of allowing God to take control of my life.  Once I acknowledged that I had a sense of peace, I don’t know how long that will last, because Satan also knows my triggers and peace is not what he seeks for the children of God.

The Calming Presence of God:

When anxiety is visiting your heart, seek refuge in the presence of God’s Word.  Here are some verses that over time God uses to remind me He is in control.

“We can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:34

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7

What has worked for me is to calm my heart and mind.

  • Trust in the promises and the power of God.
  • Take time to pray and meditate on His grace and love.
  • And focus your mind on positive things.  As Paul writes, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).  The unfortunate reality of anxiety is that usually 98 percent of the things we are anxious about or worry about never happen. The fear is unrealistic, and the more you focus on it, the more significant the anxiety grows.  Learn to live each day to its fullest.

[1] https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety

35 thoughts on “How Anxiety Robs us of Our Trust in God”

  2. Reply
    Patty B says:

    Growing up my mother called herself a worry wart. I was determined that was not going to be me. As I got older I just it was in our DNA. Not much I could do about. Then God called me by name and Jesus led me to many truths. Although I am a work in progress God has used your words to remind me of a few things. I praise our Almighty God for using you and other writers to always gently leading us to His Truth. God bless your day!

    Liked by 3 people

  4. Reply
    joliesattic says:

    So true. My sister says that I seem to flip things and see the “dark side”. She recently shared an illustration her pastor used in his sermon of the ivy that climbs the tall tree in his backyard and how our faith should climb up to the highest to God, as well. And, I understood it but had to add, “but the ivy in time will kill the tree”, suffocating it. I was not intending to minimize it, but the illustration immediately took me to the trees I’d lost by ivies and added I think I would have looked for a better illustration. How many others may have thought the same? Granted she does live in Florida and it’s quite likely they are accustomed to all that stuff hanging from the trees and might not have been aware of the ivy. Well, you get my point. I so relate to your topic and did you notice how I went on and on as though my thoughts could possibly be absolute? Such is the frailty of man and me. Sigh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      Keith Haney says:

      I was tracking with you. Anxiety can make you explore every angle until it could paralyze you. I have learned to stop the madness. List all the options and realized that the worst case scenario probably will never happen.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Reply
    J David Peever (Dave) says:

    “Worry gives you the false impression that somehow you are doing something to contribute to the solution of your fears, but what you are doing is getting into my (God’s) business.”
    I love this truth, it will speak to me as I face the uncertainty that is part of life and the individual uncertainty that is part of my life as an individual – great post!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Reply
    deborahcrocker says:

    “Worry gives you the false impression that somehow you are doing something to contribute to the solution of your fears, but what you are doing is getting into my (God’s) business.” 
    This is an awesome statement. Wow

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Reply
    applebitsblog says:

    Thank you so much for this reminder. Sometimes we forget that there is God who will help us with all our fears and we try to overcome it on our own. This post helped me remember that God is bigger than my fears and He will help me overcome my struggles. Thanks for sharing this.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Reply
    Mary Sayler says:

    Thank you for your biblically sound words of encouragement, Keith. Creative people often have such sensitivity to everything around that it’s hard to screen out, but believing God’s Word makes a healing difference, as your faith has surely shown. The Apostle Paul often mentions having “the mind of Christ” – a direct result of praying and reading the Bible, cover to cover, again and again. May God continue to give you His Mind, Word, and blessings in Christ Jesus.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Reply
    theunspokentestimony says:

    Very beautiful, thank you for sharing your story. I too suffered so much from anxiety for majority of my life. Even after being saved, I still had a hard time letting go of so many fears and doubts. When you begin to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, and declare out loud that you will no longer claim anxiety, it really loses its grip. We get so caught up saying that we “have anxiety” forgetting how powerful words are when they are spoken into existence. I actually have also shared my personal testimony on my page which I hope you can read and benefit from. God is amazing and I am very happy to see Him working through your spirit. Bless you and continue to push towards His Light 😊

    Like

  16. Pingback: How Depression Robs Us of Our True Identity – The light breaks through
  17. Reply
    Holly G. says:

    WOW, brother. This is *powerful!!* I am moved to comment here because I too am a sufferer of anxiety and depression. Good grief, it’s maddening. When the enemy comes in like a flood with his attacks, I try to remember the Scripture from Isaiah 59:19:

    19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

    I love your transparency, it’s beautiful. It’s so important to remember that real people are suffering and we can offer the love of God that heals hearts and cures pains and sorrow. It’s not always easy but we serve a mighty God who always gives us the victory.

    You are an overcomer with a testimony that is changing lives. God bless you for being who you are! The enemy only tries to make you anxious and in despair because he knows how powerful you are and how your heart and life are making a difference in countless others. He’s a liar (no truth in him), a thief and he is most certainly a loser who has already lost in every sense. YOU on the other hand have won 🙂

    I pray for your total, forever freedom from the grips of the horrible torment anxiety and depression bring… it’s coming!

    Like

    1. Reply
      Keith Haney says:

      Thank You, Holly. I figure the best way to be a blessing to others is not to pretend that you have figured it all out. I also wrote a post on depression. I don’t deal with that personally but have friends who do.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Pingback: How Depression Robs Us of Our True Identity — The Light Breaks Through

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.