Gen Z Speaks: Coping with Anxiety
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One of the things that plagues many in my generation is anxiety. We have all faced it at some point in our lives, and some live with this feeling every single day. It can be draining physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The constant worry, fear, and unease can be overwhelming, making it challenging to navigate through everyday life.
However, we do not have to carry the burden of our anxiety alone. For those who find solace in their faith, God can play a vital role in easing anxiety and providing comfort during turbulent times. We see this throughout scripture, where the Bible discusses anxiety.
Psalm 94:19, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
1 Corinthians 7:32, “I want you to be free from anxieties."
1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
And there are so many more! All of these verses are showing that God sees our worries, our anxieties and wishes to help us carry the burden of them. There are different ways to share these burdens with God.
1. Surrendering Control
Sometimes we see anxiety rise up when we have the need to control outcomes and circumstances beyond our grasp. I have been known to worry endlessly a time or two when trying new things, since I did not know what the outcome would be. Confrontations--another thing beyond my control--made me an anxious mess as I never knew how others would respond.
Surrendering control to God allows us the freedom to release the weight of our anxiety and trust that God will take care of it. We must understand that we alone cannot handle the weight that bears down on us like anxiety. We read in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. The Power of Prayer
Prayer is another helpful way to manage anxiety as we share it with God. It serves as a direct line of communication with God, allowing us to express our worries and fears openly without fear of judgment. You do not have to pray powerful prayers in public for all to see; you can have these powerful prayers in the privacy of your own safe space.
God gives us the shelter and safety to open our hearts to Him and simply unload all our troubles to Him, no matter how big or how small they may seem to us. We read in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”
3. Finding Strength in Scripture
I believe many of us know the power of reading and how it can be a calming escape from our worries and anxieties. Reading the Bible is no different. The Bible is a source of wisdom, love, comfort, and encouragement in hard times.
When struggling with anxiety, going to the Scripture can provide the courage and strength to overcome anxiety. Verses like Isaiah 41:10 assure us, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
4. Community and Support
Dealing with anxiety alone is crippling. It can cause many other mental struggles like depression or self-doubt. Having a strong community that loves and cares for you will provide God’s presence the most. God often works through His people to provide support, love, comfort, and understanding.
Engaging with a community of believers can create a sense of belonging and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Going to small groups or prayer groups provides the atmosphere to share and receive help from others. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
5. Embracing Gratitude
Anxiety can consume our thoughts, making it challenging to see the blessings around us. If left unchecked, it can become all that we are. That is why it is important to practice positive emotions when struggling with anxiety.
When you practice gratitude, it shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given. When we acknowledge God's goodness in our lives, it becomes easier to trust Him with our anxieties. Psalm 107:1 reminds us, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Anxiety is a formidable foe, but it is not insurmountable, especially when we turn to God for help and guidance. As we strengthen our faith and trust in Him, we can find solace even in life's most challenging moments. May the words of Psalm 34:4 be our comfort: "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
~Kathryn West