Xanax, Librium, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, Buspirone, Lexapro, Prozax, Paxil, Zoloft, Anaranil, Tofranil, Marplan, Nardil, Emsam, Parnate.
If the list reads like a foreign language, it is not. To many Americans, these are household words. They represent a list of medications prescribed for anxiety. They reveal that anxiety is a significant and persistent struggle. The events of 2020 have not helped: prescriptions for anxiety rose by 34% since the pandemic began (Newsweek, 4/16/20).
No one understands anxiety better than Jesus Christ. Jesus “sympathizes with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). The prospect of the cross carried with it anxiety-inducing agony (Luke 22:44). Being our Creator, He understands us perfectly, rescuing us completely (Colossians 1:13, 16). This Sunday, Jesus provides us with counsel for anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34).
But He doesn’t stop there. Throughout the Word of God, the Lord addresses the soul-sapping shadow anxiety creates. At times, anxiety is brief and passing; in some cases, it is complex and long-lasting. Due to its prevalence, I would like to offer some sound resources to counsel anxiety. It is wholly biblical counsel: God’s power is in His Word. Furthermore, the organizations producing these resources are also very strong in providing counseling resources for other areas of life.
An Overview of Anxiety: Jim Newheiser provides 30 minutes of audio with outline notes to give a general overview here.
Its Usefulness: Tim Lane discusses “Five Ways Worry Can Be Useful.” He wrote a helpful book entitled “Living Without Worry.”
Helping Others: Help other Christians walk through anxiety with this helpful “How to Handle Anxiety Tool.”
A few more resources may be found …
“Anxiety” at the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation
“Anxiety Archives” at the Association for the Certification of Biblical Counselors
“23 Biblical Counseling Resources on Anxiety” at the Biblical Counseling Coalition
Never forget that there is hope! The Bible has answers for our problems. God loves you and cares about your struggles. May He fill us with wisdom and strength. With the affection of Christ, Pastor Michael
