Anxiety

Imagine Tiara, sitting in her car before a big job interview, her palms sweaty and her heart racing with worry about whether she’ll impress the interviewers. Meanwhile, David paces back and forth in his living room, anxious about an upcoming presentation at work, his mind buzzing with thoughts of what could go wrong. Across town, Maria lies awake in bed, her thoughts consumed by fears of failing her upcoming exams, her stomach churning with nervousness. At the same time, John sits in the waiting room of the doctor’s office, his anxiety mounting as he waits for test results, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Meanwhile, Emily clutches her phone, anxiously awaiting a reply to a message she sent hours ago, her thoughts consumed by worry about whether she said the right thing.

As the sun sets on another day, Tina finds herself tossing and turning in bed, unable to shake the gnawing anxiety about what tomorrow holds. Will she be able to find a job in this uncertain economy, or will she be left struggling to make ends meet? Meanwhile, Guvna sits at his desk, staring blankly at his computer screen, his mind consumed by worries about the future of his relationship. Will he and his partner be able to overcome their differences and build a life together, or are they doomed to drift apart? Across town, Diane frets over her children’s future, her heart heavy with concern about whether she’s doing enough to prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead. And as Jones drives home from work, his mind races with thoughts of looming deadlines and mounting responsibilities, his anxiety about the future threatening to overwhelm him. Finally, Efua sits alone in her apartment, her thoughts consumed by uncertainty about her career path and whether she’ll ever find true fulfillment and happiness.

Anxiety is everywhere. It’s a symptom of many mental disorders yet, not a single soul on earth goes a day without experiencing it. Beyond the clinical definitions and psychological analyses, anxiety is a deeply complex and multifaceted experience that permeates every aspect of our lives. From the mundane worries of daily existence to the existential dread that gnaws at our very core, anxiety is an ever-present companion on the journey of life.

Philosophically speaking, anxiety can be viewed through the lens of existentialism – a philosophical school of thought that grapples with the fundamental questions of human existence. According to existentialist thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, anxiety arises from the realization of our freedom and responsibility in a world devoid of inherent meaning or purpose. In other words, anxiety stems from the existential angst of navigating the vast and often overwhelming expanse of human existence without any clear guideposts or assurances.

Yet, amidst the existential tumult of anxiety, there exists a glimmer of hope – the steadfast assurance of divine providence and the unwavering presence of a higher power. For those who place their trust in God, anxiety becomes not a burden to bear alone, but a catalyst for deeper spiritual growth and transformation. As the psalmist declares, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). In trusting God, we relinquish our grip on the illusion of control and surrender to the divine wisdom that transcends our limited understanding.

But trusting God in the midst of anxiety is easier said than done. It requires a profound shift in perspective – a willingness to embrace uncertainty and relinquish our desperate grasp for certainty and security. It means accepting that we are not in control of the outcome, but entrusting our fears and worries into the hands of a loving and compassionate Creator who knows our every need.

In the words of philosopher Blaise Pascal, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Perhaps, then, the mystery of anxiety lies not in its eradication, but in our ability to embrace it as an integral part of the human experience. By cultivating a deep sense of trust in God and leaning into the existential uncertainty of life, we can transform anxiety from a source of despair into a catalyst for spiritual awakening and inner peace.

I’m not saying don’t be anxious. You already know that but you haven’t been able to stop yourself from being anxious. All I’m saying is, the next time you think about the future of the country, the instability of your finances, how you’re going to make it in life or why you can’t seem to make the right decisions; instead of laying up all night, crying all over your pillow, beating yourself down and comparing yourself to others, turn your anxiety into prayer.

In the end, anxiety is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By embracing faith and trusting in God’s Word, we can find comfort and strength to face whatever comes our way.