An Anxious Heart

Have you ever had moments of crippling anxiety? A time where the very thought of the next day made you want to not get out of bed in the morning? I’ve been experiencing more of those lately than I care to admit. This form of anxiety has come and gone for me in waves throughout most of my adult life. I’ve noticed that most of my fear, as I suspect most people’s fear does, surrounds the unknown. I’ve recently started my residency program and let me tell you, the learning never ends! Being overwhelmed and fatigue are a real daily struggle. The thoughts of encountering something I have no idea how to handle or simply forgetting something on my new long list of responsibilities incessantly plagues my mind. But anxiety can have many root causes: a fear of failure, fear of insufficiency, fear of rejection. There are times that as a Christian, I’ve felt guilty for my anxious thoughts. We are encouraged as followers of Christ to be anxious about nothing. However, anxiety in its simplest form, like all emotions, may be useful in signaling something to us. I’ve found that the following are often causes for an anxious heart.

1. Lack of control- Many times we feel like we can plan our way out of anxious thoughts. To a certain extent this may help us eliminate some unknowns that cause us worries. However, it takes only a little living to know that life rarely plays out exactly how we map it out. The good news is that we have the one who saw our beginning and knows our end walking through this life with us.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This does not mean that we are not going to have anxieties in life. It means that while we walk through this life of unpredictability when things outside of our control happen to us, we have a friend who is walking with us through it.

1. Not setting healthy boundaries- Another frequent cause of anxiety our lives can arise from is the inability to set healthy boundaries in personal relationships or at work. Saying no to things can be healthy. Speaking up in love when you feel pushed past your limitations is healthy.

Our culture is one that idolizes “the hustle.” We tend to believe that things like sleep or rest are inconsequential and that if our schedules are not jam-packed, then we are not being productive. However, overextending ourselves leaves little room for the quiet times that are so necessary for us lay our burdens down at the feet of the only one who can help us carry their weight.

Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

1. Placing your hope in the wrong things- Ultimately, placing too much value in the things of this world often leads to anxiety. Looking to find unconditional acceptance, fulfillment and meaning in things that were never designed to accomplish that can leave our hearts anxious as we endlessly strive to please. At some point, we will face failure, we will fall, and we will disappoint others just as they will disappoint us. Accepting this inevitability is a pivotal part of understanding that our hope should be placed in nothing, but the never changing love of God.

The Bible tells us that even Jesus grappled with the anxiety before his crucifixion. In that moment, he laid all his fears and worries down at the feet of his Father. There is no greater example!

Cast your cares on Him because he cares for you.

Love,

A woman of worth