Depression is caused by continuing to look back. Fear is caused by looking ahead into the future. One focuses on regret while the other focuses on control; neither stance is God directed. They both cause you to turn away from God. Both cause you lose your peace in Christ as you allow anxiousness to set in.
I struggle with fear more than depression. I can look back and see how God has guided me and that brings me comfort and joy. It is what propels me to keep believing and trusting Him for what lies ahead, but when I look to the future, I can’t quite see what God is going to do. In this unknown is where my fear emerges and I allow myself to become anxious. Who else struggles? I do not believe I am alone in this.
I know God has things under control. My past proves that, but it is in the how things are going to play out that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. What am I going to experience? Yes, God is with me, but I still have to experience (the unknown). Think about Paul sitting in a dark prison for four years shackled to a guard. He did not know if he would continue being abused and/or killed on a daily basis. How about Peter in a boat with the other disciples. A storm raged around them, and Peter needed some proof that Christ was really there with them. “Lord, if its really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” Jesus said, “Yes, come.” 27-29
Read the book of Philippians to see how Jesus met Paul in a dire situation. Paul penned that beautiful book despite an anxious heart. Also read Matthew 14:22-36 to see Peter facing his anxious heart. For added measure, read Luke 22:39-46 and pay attention to verse 44, Jesus was in such agony that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. Jesus experienced anxiety in his human body.
What subdues an anxious heart can be found in this quote from Monte Dugger, “While venturing towards Jesus on the Sea of Galilee, Peter made a severe mistake; he believed the storm. Observing the aggression of the wind and waves, Peter became afraid of its potential threat. In fear, he magnified the circumstance, minimized Christ in the circumstance, and consequently was overcome by the circumstance. Struggling against the currents, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus stretched out His hand, grabbed His disciple and asked, ‘Why did you believe against Me?'”
We can learn much from Monte in his observation of this passage of scripture. Peter needed to be reminded of who Jesus is on a moment-by-moment basis. Read the previous passage in Matthew, verses 13-21. Jesus just got done with revealing His authority and power by feeding 5,000+ people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. You would think the disciples would be filled in awe and peace over this, but as soon as a storm raged just a few hours later, they chose to focus on the storm and their immediate circumstance instead of Christ. This is what causes anxiety to take a firm hold in any one of us at any given time.
You and I have short attention spans and we forget quite easily. Our sinful natures minimize Christ right from the get go. We have to learn to turn around more quickly and regain our sight back on to Him. We do this by seeing God’s hand on us right now. We cry out in thankfulness throughout our day. We also know the scriptures well so the Holy Spirit can bring life-giving truths that heal our souls. Are you a student of the Bible? We pray without stopping. Abiding in Christ is a forever conversation that never ends. The Trinity leads you 24/7/365. Your response is surrendering in obedience to how God wants you to live His life in you. At your salvation, you let go of all of you. Be careful to not take things back.
Anxiety subdues when you stop believing against Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit encompasses you when you stop fighting Christ in you. This quote from Monte has got my attention in such a clear way. I am hoping and praying that it is helping you too. Anxiety is not a sign of a lack of faith. It reveals the separation between this sinful world and God’s Kingdom that every surrendered believer will enjoy one day. Until God comes for you and me, whether individually or corporately (called the rapture), we are not left to find our way home alone. God is with us and he equips us with everything we need to live the abundant life in Christ.
You can live calmly and peacefully. I can live calmly and peacefully as well. What subdues our anxious hearts is not to live against Christ in any way. Let’s be about His business in every little moment each day.
(I am taking a break for a bit. Going to spend time with my daughter.)
Carol J German 