I just started reading a book yesterday entitled Made to Tremble by Blair Linne. Looking at the title might get one to think it is on worship or something that has to do with awe of God. But that would be a wrong assumption. It is subtitled “How Anxiety Became The Best Thing That Ever Happened To My Faith.” I didn’t pick up the book to read because I have anxiety issues. Just the opposite. I KNOW people who struggle with this issue and have been at a loss to know what to say or how to help. I want to understand better. I know people who are anxiety-ridden and find their whole life dominated by anxiety and its tentacles. Blair has and still suffers from anxiety (not like she used to) and I’m looking forward to diving in deeper.
But she said a couple of things just in the Introduction that have caught my attention. I have noticed, as would any observer of culture and people, that one of the prevailing philosophies being taught is “you have the power within you to overcome anything. All you have to do is ‘will’ yourself powerful.” To put it more simply: meditate, do yoga, go outdoors, worship creation, etc. and you will conquer the waves of anxiety that invade your day. We are being taught “Here are 10 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety” or “Name and claim away anxiety” (that’s the faux religious one). It’s not that easy. We end up depending too much on ourselves and not enough on the ONE who calmed the waves and sea and brought healing to the blind, the lame, and others. When the disciples were anxious about feeding 5000+ people, Jesus put their fears to rest by multiplying the 5 loaves and 2 fish. If He can do that, He can do so much more! As Blair is so blunt to point out: “As it turns out, anxiety was not an obstacle that I needed to avoid; it was a portal to a person I needed to behold: Jesus Christ.” (p.2).
We often run away from fears and hangups we experience. Sometimes that is good (like leaving an addiction behind). But instead of running away, why not run to the One who is always there no matter what? Perhaps we need to see our fear or anxiety or weakness we experience as an opportunity to be more dependent and reliant on Jesus. We were never meant to live life alone. NEVER. And yet, so many try! “I don’t need anyone else. I’m the captain of my own ship.” That may be true in your own eyes, but it looks like your ship is taking on water and is sinking.
There is purpose in our pain. Let’s learn from it and use it to become dependent on Jesus and then ultimately to help someone else to find that same answer.
I am continually learning that I cannot overcome my fears and anxieties on my own but Jesus can and does! In Him I find peace and calm.
And that, my dear friend, is really the only place true and lasting peace and calm are found.
We are delusional if we think for a moment that we can “fix” ourselves. Jesus should be our focus when we are fearful, anxious or confused. I’m not saying people shouldn’t get professional help when necessary, but their eyes and heart should be set on the Healer as they do so.
Blessings, Bill!
I agree Martha. I point people to Jesus but also know I am not a counselor so I sometimes refer them to a professional (a Christ-follower).
I personally do struggle with anxiety. It is crazy what the mind can conjure (or the lies the enemy can lead us to believe). My logical side will try to come up with many possible solutions to as many possible problems that I can contemplate and I will simply not shut down. Many sleepless nights and many 2:00 – 3:00 am stirrings that result in me simply playing scenarios in my head. The unexplained feeling of dread and doom and the occasional wild mood swings in an attempt for me to try to regain some control (which is really ironic since it looks like a complete loss of it).
The key I think you hit is the last line… There is a purpose and we must learn from it all while learning to put our full trust in Jesus.
I was listening to a podcast this morning (5:00 am instead of 2:00 thankfully) and a comment was made that got me thinking…
“The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need.”
This came from a guest, Susie Larson, on John Eldridge’s “Wild at Heart” podcast.
I think those two thoughts blend quite well and God is telling me yet again… “Ryan… I’ve got this!”
I like that quote Ryan. I’m going to have to write that one down and use it in a future sermon I plan to preach and have started preparing. Thanks for sharing that. And I agree: God has been telling me for a long time “I got this and you don’t. Let me.”
One of my favorite Bible verses is John 15:5, when Jesus Himself tells you without Him you can do absolutely nothing. That sums it up for me. I just try to always go with, Lord I cannot do this alone, You promised to never leave me, so I will lean on You and we can face this together.
Good verse and good prayer Gail.