One of my favorite books is The Pilgrim’s Progress. It is the story of Christian leaving the city of destruction in search of salvation that is found only in the celestial city, which symbolizes heaven. This allegory depicts the Christian life all the way.
In one scene, Christian and Hopeful are on their journey and the ground becomes rough and hard under their feet. They notice a parallel path on the other side of the fence that seems more pleasant, grassier, and with fewer holes. They decide to jump over the fence and walk on that path because it appears to lead to the celestial city too.
But when a storm ensues, they become disoriented and discover that the path is not going to the celestial city but rather is a path to destruction. So, they take shelter and fall asleep only to be awakened by a giant called Despair, who captures them, takes them to the doubting castle, and locks them up in the dungeon.
Dealing with Anxiety
You may be saying, “I’ve been there.” You vividly remember the cold hand of despair upon your shoulder. All was well and then suddenly a storm hits your life, and you must take shelter.
It may be the storm of financial crisis, relational turmoil, family issues, workplace upheavals, or discerning God’s will. The giant Despair overtakes you and drags you to the castle of doubt and imprisonment.
During seasons like this, we may be asking some hard questions: “How can we continue on with faith when we feel anxious? What are some ways to trust in our God in the midst of the storm?”
I have some good news. Here are the three secrets in battling anxiety according to Philippians 4:6-7.
Worry About Nothing
We overcome worry by not giving in to worry.
Paul has the veto—a command not to worry! Worry comes when we turn away from God. Worry shifts the burdens of life to self and assumes the I am alone in this and God is far from me! mindset. God never intended us to do life alone.
It is important for us to understand that when Paul wrote this letter in prison, his circumstances were difficult. Humanly speaking, he had every reason to feel trapped in his own anxiety! And yet it’s evident from the Philippine letter that we are to overcome worry and anxiety.
Pray About Everything
We overcome worry by praying to God about everything.
Paul offers a prescription for dealing with worry—take everything to the Lord in prayer. Praying about everything is in contrast to worrying about nothing. That’s the reason we have the word, “but” at the beginning of verse 6.
I love the old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Is there something that is causing you anxiety? Sometimes the things that trouble us most are the things we talk to God about the least.
When dealing with fear, Christians are to make specific requests with thanksgiving before the Lord.
God’s Peace Will Protect You
We overcome worry as we anticipate the peace of God.
Paul assures believers that God has promised to give them peace. This peace of God which surpasses all understanding will “Guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 7). God’s peace is only found in Jesus Christ. He may not change your circumstances, but He will give you peace during hardship, just as He promised.
Cast All Your Anxiety unto Jesus
What I have found in the past 10 years of ministry is that my anxiety is often birthed out of my lack of faith in Jesus. As a result, my unbelief gets the upper hand in my heart.
Much anxiety, Jesus says, comes from little faith. A lot of our anxieties come from our small view of God.
Scripture promises the hopeless that, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9). As my seminary professor Dr. Stuart Scott said so well, “Hope is not defined by the absence of hardship. Rather, hope is found in God’s grace in the midst of hardship. Hope is found in His promise to give us a future.”
Why does God allow fear into our lives? Ultimately, it’s to bring glory to the Father by redeeming His people from the curse of sin.Dr. Jonathan Hayashi is a chaplain, pastor, and author of Ordinary Radicals: A Return to Christ-Centered Discipleship and Making Lemonade: Turning Past Failures into Gospel Opportunities. He and his wife, Kennedi, have four children: Kaede, Seiji, Anna, and Ren. Learn more about him at jonathanhayashi.com
In the imperfections of this broken world, we need a reminder of the death and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. His perfect, faithful, steadfast, and undying love becomes the strength for today and the hope for tomorrow.
Dr. Jonathan Hayashi
Dr. Jonathan Hayashi is a chaplain, pastor, and author of Ordinary Radicals: A Return to Christ-Centered Discipleship and Making Lemonade: Turning Past Failures into Gospel Opportunities. He and his wife, Kennedi, have four children: Kaede, Seiji, Anna, and Ren. Learn more about him at jonathanhayashi.com
1 reply on “Three Tips to Overcome Anxiety”
Thank you so much for this article. It might be that everyone says this and it’s out there, but when I needed it, your page was what I found and I am glad for it. Thank you again. God bless you