The Opportunity of Anxiety

Anxiety.

It’s a word used with increasing frequency these days. 

Anxiety is becoming normalized. In our world, it almost seems like it’s more abnormal to not have anxiety than to have it. Like tattoos.

Knowing this is becoming a regular part of the lives of many, I’ve spent some time thinking about it more. From my understanding, anxiety has always been something I’ve connected with worry, but what I’ve realized more recently is that my moments of feeling anxious (let’s face it, we all have them) have more to do with being afraid. 

That realization caught my attention. I’ve been trying to identify what’s really going on when I’ve had bouts of feeling anxious by asking myself the question: what am I afraid of?

Seriously, what am I afraid of? 

I’ve been surprised how often I’ve found I have an answer to that question. It can be a tiny fear like not getting something done as well as someone might expect, but it’s fear nonetheless. 

Now before I go any further, I’m not suggesting I have the true, diagnosed form of anxiety. For those of you out there specifically dealing with that, I pray you’re getting the support you need. This is more coming out of the common human experience of feeling anxious that we all share.

So if we are afraid, what’s the good news? Could there be an opportunity?

God’s grace can make you less anxious and more courageous. 

- Paul David Tripp -

What if we started looking at those anxious moments as opportunities for courage? If we’re afraid, then we need some bravery to face whatever is causing us to feel anxious. 

Until we come face to face with the deepest, darkest fact of life without damaging our view of God’s character, we do not yet know Him.

- Oswald Chambers - 

Not only are anxious moments an opportunity to demonstrate some courage, but they can also be an opportunity to learn more about the Lord’s character. When anxious feelings creep in and we’re afraid, what part of God’s character are we not understanding?

For me, I’ve recognized this happening more potently in the process of becoming a mom. Even saying yes to trying to get pregnant caused me to face a number of fears I wasn’t aware I had until I was faced with them, but they proved to be an opportunity to trust the Lord on a deeper level.

So, what are you anxious about? Could you embrace the perspective shift that you might be afraid or misunderstanding God’s character? Are you being invited into an opportunity to be brave? If you feel comfortable, please share in the comments! 

We’re in this together! Be brave.

...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control

2 Timothy 1:7