Anxiety

Posted on July 5, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

ANXIETY

You do not want me for a counselor if you are having problems dealing with daily emotional challenges. Here’s my sage advice: grow up, face it, get over it.

Or I can put my collar on backwards and turn spiritual spouting a few verses which will solve the problem. “Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you.” (I Pet. 5:7) See, now it’s gone!

I remember when growing up, having a nervous breakdown was a sin. I can remember people talking about other Christians who were taking medication for anxiety “because Jesus isn’t enough” for them.

I am not an introspective person. Most things bother me for the moment and then they’re gone. Quite honestly, I’m not sure I really understood what a panic attack was. I never had one. Why should anyone else?

Then over the course of time I met Christians who were on anxiety medication. They seemed as normal as me (!!!) as far as I could tell.

But then it happened: I was hospitalized because I could not breathe. I was very tense. Apparently I was “fine” physically but I couldn’t forget the panic of not being able to breathe. They sent me home with a mood relaxer to be taken daily and a pill to take if I suffered a panic attack.

Three nights later I woke my wife at 5am and told her to call 911 because I was gasping for breath, sweating profusely, and in panic mode. She took my vital signs (she’s a nurse) which were all normal. She gave me a pill, sat me down and in 15 minutes I was fine. This happened on at least one more occasion.

Guess what? I had an anxiety attack and suddenly understood why some people need medication! Suddenly I have empathy for people who have anxiety issues.

Do I believe the verses quoted above? Of course. Do I try my best to practice them? Absolutely.

But I’ll tell you, if I ever have another bout where I cannot breathe and my vital signs are good, I’ll know it’s in my head and I want a pill! Am I a second-class Christian? I want Jesus and the pill.

Written by Rev. Neil Fitchthorn Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 12-13 | 2 Chronicles 24 |You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “All your anxiety, all your care, Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there, Never a burden He cannot bear, Never a friend like Jesus!” — Edward H. Joy

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Psalm 146:5