t’s no secret the last two years have been tremendously stressful. The world has seen so many changes. From an international pandemic that forced us into quarantine and changes for almost every aspect of our lives. Not to mention the political divides, social injustices, and violence that have rocked our country and people. And that is just what has gone on with the world around us, not even factoring in our own personal lives.
It seems as if it has become harder to not question everything in our lives when there is so much negativity. And with everything going on, it is no wonder that anxiety levels are sky-high. We’ve all heard of the saying, “There can be no faith without doubt,” and that certainly is true. But, how does this apply to anxiety? In these truly trying times, how can we let our faith win out over anxiety?
Anxiety Does Not Cancel Your Faith
We all know the scriptures that tell us to not worry. Let go and let God, right? And while that sounds fantastic on paper, putting it into practice in real life isn’t exactly smooth. It’s hard to just let things go and give them up when we feel so weighed down by everything.
Many people often question whether or not having anxiety and doubting will essentially “cancel” their faith. As if their faith is not worthy because they are filled with excessive worry. It can sometimes feel as if the world is saying we can’t, or shouldn’t, worry about anything because of our faith.
But the truth is, we are only human. We are going to worry. About finances. Our family’s health. The well-being of our communities. Our careers. It’s a part of life that is inevitable. However, even though we do worry, it does not lessen the impact of our faith. It does not make you less of a Christian or spiritual-being just because you have anxiety.
Anxiety Can Help Your Spiritual Growth
It may seem contrary to what we are taught, but it is ok to question Him about our pain and suffering. “Why are you putting me through these trials?” “What greater purpose are you trying to serve in me by putting me through these waters?”
We have all been there and it’s ok. It’s ok to question the purpose of why you are experiencing debilitating anxiety. It’s normal to wonder what purpose this time in your life has. And in some ways, these questions can often lead you to greater spiritual growth than possible.
If you think about it, what growth would you experience if everything went smooth, always? What lessons would you learn, or be able to teach to your children, if you didn’t experience certain trials in your life?
You Don’t Have To Be Perfect
You don’t have to perfectly handle your anxiety at all times. It’s ok to have your moments of doubt or reflection that make you think, “Am I doing this ok? Am I enough?” These thoughts are normal. They are human. You don’t have to be perfect, or worry-free, all the time.
What’s important to remember is to let your faith be bigger than your anxiety. Even in your faltering moments, your faith can always take precedence over your anxiety. And that won’t always be perfect, and it might not always go as planned. But it’s important to remember that despite your anxiety, worries, or excessive fears, you are enough. In spite of all of this, and possibly because of it, you are just as loved and important as a person who does not struggle with their mental health.
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There’s a fine line between being able to completely let Him in control and wanting to stay in control of yourself. No matter where you are at on your spiritual journey, or struggles with anxiety, there is always hope that things can get better for you. Please reach out to us today so we can support you through these trials.
