Fear and Anxiety
Being strong and courageous is mentioned in the Bible eleven times. If something is mentioned only once in the Bible it is important. Something emphasized eleven times must be extremely serious!
One of the reasons courage is mentioned so much is because of the problem of anxiety. Anxiety affects a lot of people in today's world. One study showed that 19 percent of adults and 32 percent of teens suffer from an anxiety disorder. Thirty eight percent of females suffer from anxiety, and 26 percent of males suffer from anxiety. In the years of 2007 to 2012 it had increased by 20 percent. The statistics have been growing and growing more and more each year.
Most teens get anxiety from feeling the need to succeed in everything that they do. They also could have other influences which have made them have more anxiety. Social media is one of the biggest contributing factors. The teens that use it feel more anxious and unhappy. They compare themselves to others. It has a very negative effect.
Philippians 4:6-8, which is one of my favorite verses that helps me with anxiety, says, “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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” The word Paul uses for anxious means "to pull the mind in different directions." God does not want our worries to pull us apart. He cares about our anxieties and cares about what we are going through. He tells us to be strong and courageous by casting our anxieties on him because he cares about us and he believes that we can get through whatever we are going through (1 Peter 5:7).
One other thing that we can be strong and courageous about is our fears. Anxiety and fear are similar, but they are not quite the same thing. The definition of fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” The idea behind the word used in the New Testament is running away from a threat. People have all types of different fears. There are fears of dogs, spiders, snakes, needles and so many more. In Isaiah 41:10 God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The Lord will always be there watching over you.
Are you struggling with anxiety or fear? Here are a few suggestions to find courage to help.
You could pray to God about whatever you are going through.
In the moment you could take deep breaths and just take a break from whatever you are doing.
Find examples in the Bible of people having courage when they are afraid.
Talk to anyone who is there to listen to you. Talking to someone can really help you get through something.
Do something else to get your mind off of it. For example, go for a walk, listen to music, or go play outside.
There are many things that could help you when you are afraid and stressed out or are having anxiety. The important thing is not to give in. Think about what works best for you, and do that.
As we have seen, the Lord teaches us not to be afraid and not to have anxiety about things because he cares for us and he is always there for us. Whatever we are facing, he gives us the strength to be strong and courageous.
Ava Kizer