Anxiety

Before you close this tab because you don't think you're personally affected by anxiety, there is something to be learned for both the anxious and those around them, and you most definitely fall into one of those categories.

There are lots of reasons to be anxious in this world, and one of the downsides of being in the digital age is that we're constantly being reminded of them. Whether it is physical appearance, academic struggles, financial worries, the list goes on. Our anxieties are basically customized to our lives, and we can't seem to run away.

My greatest source of anxiety used to be being pre-med... on a Thursday. On Thursdays, I had just one class that lasted for 1 hour, then I had the rest of the day to think about all the things I have to do, all the expectations I haven't met, when I'll start studying for the MCAT, what scholarships and research programs to apply to, who I'll ask for recommendations, ORGANIC CHEMISTRY... and the list goes on. Then, I'd be left feeling overwhelmed, panicky, and lost.

I know a lot of people have it much worse than my Thursday afternoon anxiety, so I'll cut to the chase and go through a few messages from scripture on anxiety, both for the anxious and the neighbor of the anxious.

For the anxious, my favorite passage is Luke 10:38-42, which says,

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I don't know about you, but I felt so called out when I first read this passage. However, in my [little] experience, those are the best types of scriptures because they are more likely to inspire practical change.

Let's get some things straight. Martha's worries were valid, just like yours and mine. She had chores to do; she had to host the SON OF GOD in her house for goodness sake! Should she just have not offered him any food to eat? That's common courtesy!

Martha got overwhelmed, and she realized that Mary wasn't even doing anything, just sitting there. If you have siblings, you know how annoying this is. Even those with roommates, you can probably relate. So, she took it to Jesus. We know Jesus is just; there's no way he would stand for such unfairness! Well, Jesus just had to burst her bubble, didn't he? Imagine this as going to report your sibling to your parents and they side with them instead. That is literally the worst feeling ever.

The chapter doesn't go any further to tell us about how Martha felt, but I'll just assume she felt bitter, and maybe slightly petty about it. Are you beginning to relate a little better? You're doing all the work, taking on so many things, feeling overwhelmed, but not getting rewarded at all. Then you look to your left and it seems like people who aren't even trying half as hard as you are enjoying more fruits? Then, Jesus is talking to you.

“________, _______,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The truth is our worries are valid, yes. However, isn't God's presence more important? Jesus is calling us to silence our other worries from time to time, and just put Him first. Slow down and sit down at His feet, like Mary did, because remember, everything else can pass away, but this "better thing" can't ever be taken away from us.

For the neighbor of the anxious (this includes the anxious because there are definitely there anxious people around you, a verse to live by is Psalms 12:25,

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

I will say from experience as the anxious that this is true; I don't think this needs further explanation.

Another key verse is Psalms 94:19 (which I also included below for the anxious depending on interpretation)

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Yes, David is speaking about God here based on the context given by the rest of the chapter, but this also applies similarly as if he were speaking of a human.

I didn't think I'd have this much to write about anxiety, but it looks like I might be writing more on this next week. To conclude, I'll say this, "be kind." It's as cliche as it gets, but also as true as it gets.

Here are some other helpful verses for the anxious:

Philippians 4:6

Isaiah 26:3

Joshua 1:9

Psalms 94:19

Psalms 34:19

Psalms 55:22

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to reduce anxiety struggles to just being overwhelmed by homework. If you need professional help, please seek it and let me know if I can help or pray for you in any way.

Peace and love of Christ be with you all!