Fear & Faith: Why Your Anxiety Doesn’t Disqualify Your Christianity
Many Christians believe that when there is doubt, or fear, that it automatically disqualifies them from Christianity. The image of a "perfect " Christian is embedded into our minds. It's the image of someone who has it all together. Some whose faith is unwavering and certain.
For many people, anxiety, depression, or other mental issues are a sign of weakness. They often feel shame or guilt when they read verses about not worrying or feeling hope. It feels completely frustrating when you receive this positive messaging when you feel anything but hopeful. For many Christians, being unable to just "flip the switch" from worried to not worry is a difficult task. And when they can't do this, they feel as if it invalidates their faith.
As frustrating as an experience as this is, rest assured that just because you have anxiety, does not mean you are not a good Christian. Here's why.
Your Thoughts Can Be Deceptive
As people progress into adulthood, they often carry with them self-limiting beliefs. When negative thoughts continually take root, they begin to affect emotions and behavior.
The negative thoughts that take root in your mind have the ability to interfere with how you see yourself and the world. They whisper that "you aren't worthy," that "you aren't good enough." They even create the inkling of doubt that you are not truly loved by God.
Suffering from unchecked anxiety can create such a loop of internal doubt and fear that your self-perception becomes clouded. Your view of God can get clouded too. But this does not mean that you aren't a good Christian. In fact, this is precisely why scriptural verses about avoiding worry are often followed with appeals to seek God...not appeals to beat yourself up.
Christianity confronts your anxious thoughts with mindful redirection to find relief. Thus, he asks that you pray, find ways to be grateful, and ask for help. You aren't bad or unfaithful. Quite the contrary, your anxiety is a path toward relying on God even more.
Verses on Anxiety Are Not Meant To Shame Us
As mentioned above, we often feel shame or guilt when we hear messages about not worrying. It's a struggle to reconcile what we are feeling and what we think we are being commanded to feel. Again, Christianity holds that your faith is an outgrowth of your relationship with God, not a reflection of how much you can handle without Him. God's love and comfort are at the center of the faith.
So, challenge your thinking and look deeper.
Are condemnation and shame really the lessons of your faith? Perhaps you read this in the Bible:
"If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Luke 12:28 ESV)
Did you read this as censure or reproach and blame yourself for not being faithful enough? You aren't alone. Yet, this view forgets the verse that follows a bit later:
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 ESV)
Your fear doesn't disqualify you. He doesn't hold your fear against you at all. God simply repeats his call to release your anxiety because he wants to give you peace and reward you for following Him. He still loves you and his "little flock," despite your fear. He's still loving and tenderhearted, and He still has gifts to give.
God isn't shaming you and you needn't shame yourself.
Now, are there times when feelings of anxiety and depression still occur? Yes, life can still be hard. However, instead of thinking of "fear not" verses as guilt trips, consider them reminders. Your fear doesn't make you unworthy; rather, it reminds you that you aren't alone to face it. You have God, and those he places in your life, to make you strong.
Growth Is Ongoing & Support is a Gift
Struggling with mental health issues does not mean that you are lacking in faith or devotion. Many Christians who suffer from anxiety often feel as if their mental health concerns prevent them from growing closer to God or growing spiritually with other believers. Yet, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, as hard as it may seem, these are times when the greatest spiritual growth is possible.
You are human in need of empathy and compassion. There is no shame in seeking a professional counselor who honors your faith as well as your need for relief. We are here for you. Read more about support for anxiety and please reach out to our office soon.