What Good is Anxiety?

My bank recently charged me a $5.00 dormant account fee. I have this account that I've done nothing with for at least six months. I'm glad my blog service doesn't charge me a dormant account fee since I haven't posted anything here for well over a month. I keep recommitting to this blog, but then life gets crazy again and I start neglecting it.

Some major life transitions over the last few months have kept me sidetracked as I've worked to reacclimate my entire life. I've had a case of writer's block the last several weeks as I deal with some potentially anxiety-producing issues. But the good news is that I don't feel that much anxiety. Sure, I have my moments. But overall I'm doing pretty well. I'd like to believe that it's at least in part due to spiritual growth.

The longer I walk with God, and the more I go through, the more I ask, "What good is anxiety?" I'm sure you've had life experiences in which you felt that the rug had been pulled out from under you. It seemed as if everything came crashing down. I've had my share of sleepless nights through the years. In times past, even in recent weeks, anxiety has made me physically ill.

When past experiences have thrown my life into chaos, I've felt like one of the psalmists, crying out to God in lament, asking "Why?" or "How long?" I have grovelled before God with my face to the ground begging for change or relief. It can be both biblical and healthy to live through experiences that force you to wrestle with God. If you've ever shaken your fist at heaven, it doesn't mean you're a bad person. You're in good company with the psalmists and prophets as you process your faith.

There may again be a time that I find myself desperate and on my face before God. But right now I'm trusting in his faithfulness. That doesn't mean I'm assured of outcomes that I would have ordered. But I trust God in spite of outcomes. Faith simply cannot depend on how well we perceive our lives to be going.

I know that the presence of God is with me regardless of my circumstances. And I know that in his wisdom, he will work all things for good. So what good is anxiety? Paul said, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Scripture is clear that anxiety is only overcome by faith. This means trusting in God's faithfulness. I think spiritual growth means finally getting to the place where joy is found in the very presence of God and is not dependant on circumstances. Then we can say with Paul, "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11).      

Comments

[Jim Martin]

Wade--This is a very good post. At least part of its power for me is that I know this is flowing out of your own life before God in the middle of some trying circumstances.

[Don]

I have an idea. Overdraft your account and see if they give you money back for being "Too Active". :)

It's worth a try.

[Wade Tannehill]

Jim,

Thanks for reading. Thanks for commenting. But most of all, thanks for being there.

[Wade Tannehill]

Don,

I think I'll pass on that idea. :)

[lisa]

Praying for you, Wade. I like to think I can handle stressful situations pretty well, but I haven't had too much to deal with ... yet anyway. I guess you find out how strong you are in more difficult circumstances, huh.

[Wade Tannehill]

Lisa,

Thanks so much for your prayers and for your continued encouragement. And thanks for the comment. Thanks for checking up on this blog even when I seem to be hibernating.

[preacherman]

Wade,
I know when I am so sick it is easy for me to get frustrated and anxeous. I hate it. I am sick of being sick. Sometimes even when I pray to God to to take the anxiety away it lingers. Even with anxiety meds it lingers. I know what scripture says. I know that it says that God will take the anxiety away but I have learned that sometimes he is soooo slow and that wears me down and even makes me sicker. I worry about my family and the stresss my illness and anxiety is putting on them. I hate it. I am tired and want things to change so badly. I have had thoughts I shouldn't have had recently. I want Christ to return soon as well. I pray for him to return quickly. I just want sometimes don't know what to do. Like this past week I have a sonogram on my liver and kidneys. They came back normal. I am still in such pain and started coughing again. Come to find out it is broncitis yet again and the doctor ordered a chest x-ray. I threw up every 20 minutes on Wed. and Thursday. I am feeling so weak and tired today. I feel zapped. Very anxious.

I want you to know that you are in my prayers too brother.
I totally understand so you can talk to me any time.
I hope you have a great weekend.

[Wade Tannehill]

Preacherman,

I am so sorry that your illness returned after so many years in remission. You are in my family's prayers.

Do not give up, but realize that you are such a blessing to your family & friends and through your ministry that extends beyond your congregation and into the blogosphere. You encourage many people.

You have been a blessing to me as you have prayed for me and kept up with me. I hope I am half the friend that you are. You're making a huge difference in this world.

[preacherman]

Wade,
I am not thinking about it right now but have thought about it sometimes. Is suicide a sin? Why? Would God's grace cover it? Would God understand? What do you think on this issue? I would like your thoughts.

[Wade Tannehill]

Preacherman,

Perhaps a topic for a later post.

[preacherman]

Thank you for your encouragement brother!!!!!!
I love you.

[preacherman]

I just get depressed with this sickness.
I am sorry for bringing the topic up brother.
The meds I am on make me think and forget things.
I hate it.
I love you and cherish our relationship brother.
You are my best friend.

[preacherman]

Happy Birthday Justin! :-)