By BRUCE GREEN
RELIGION —
(Anxiety is a serious issue in our world today. In this five-part series, we’re exploring this problem, as well as the difference faith in God can make.)
In this article, we’ll continue to look at some of the ways faith can make a difference in dealing with anxiety.
3. Spiritual anxiety is fed by the lack of a real connection with others.
When the internet got going in the 90’s, there was a lot of excitement. There was talk about how the whole world being wired would result in a global village — one huge family. Well, it didn’t quite work out that way, and it wasn’t the internet’s fault. We found out that no matter how nice virtual relationships might be, they are simply no substitute for the face-to-face kind. And of course, the pandemic taught a new generation the same lesson.
If anxiety is getting trapped in our own heads, then people can help us to get out of our heads. But it has to be the right people — people who really know us and care about us, people we have a face-to-face connection with. We can’t get the kind of help we need virtually; there is a power that only comes from being in the presence of people.
God knows this, and over and over in His word He talks about us taking care of each other. The scripture speaks about bearing each other’s burdens, encouraging and building each other up, praying for each another, rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. These are some of the things involved in loving one another, and having relationships of this kind is a great blessing.
4. Spiritual anxiety is fed by an emphasis on wealth and status.
The message should be clear: Material wealth, the latest technology has to offer, creature comforts — none of them can satisfy the spiritual needs we were created with. And an over-reliance on them can actually hurt us. You can have everything in the world to live with, but if you have nothing to live for, what does it really mean?
Parents, this really gives us something to think about. Our consumer culture is telling our children 24/7 that they are what they own. Are they hearing a different message from us? More important, are they seeing a different message in the way we live? Jesus said, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15 NAS 1995). On another occasion he asked the penetrating question, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, and forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
5. Spiritual anxiety is fed by unhealthy expectations.
Too often the message of social media is, “This is what the perfect face and body look like,” or “This is what the perfect life looks like.” (And, if you don’t measure up, then too bad for you!) Not surprisingly, an increasing number of our young people are struggling with anxiety in regard to body image and status issues.
We are also seeing too many young adults unprepared for the realities of the real world. Samuel D. James says:
“Many modern parenting styles simply have not prepared human beings for the world. … The number of young adults unable to hold a meaningful conversation, persevere at a challenging job, or take on the responsibilities of marriage and parenting reflects a dissonance between this generation and life beyond school or home. In this case, extreme anxiety seems to be the result of a genuine surprise that life is difficult.”
Is it possible that too many parents, in an attempt to protect their children, have failed to prepare them? We must recognize that the way we protect them is by preparing them for the challenges of life beyond our home.
Next week, in Part Five, we’ll conclude this series as we think about how faith in God can get us through the storms of life.
You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-with-bruce-green.com