Practical Steps For Building Trust In God When Managing High Anxiety
In Genesis chapter three, we read about the fall in the garden of Eden, the moment when humans chose the knowledge of good and evil over a relationship with God. When this happened, we suffered a rupture in our relationship with God. Sin entered the garden, and we lost our connection with God. Ever since then, it has been a challenge for humans to put their faith and trust in God because of the rupture that is sin. One of the many negative feelings that comes with our fallen condition is anxiety. It is a prominent one, and so many people struggle with it in our modern society.
For Christians, we know logically that we can trust in God. But our feelings are great at deceiving us, therefore perpetuating the cycle of anxiety. Maybe you have felt this way before, too? Perhaps you have felt as though trusting God feels impossible and that there is a chasm between you and him? Maybe you have felt that it is impossible to maintain a trusting relationship with God? Well, the good news is that trust in God can be strengthened and anxious feelings can be lessened. Let us discuss what it takes to build a strong connection to God when anxiety seems to be ruling our lives.
Understanding The Connection Between Anxiety And Sin
The word sin in the Bible tends to carry with it a negative connotation in our modern culture. This word has unfortunately been weaponized in some communities to inflict pain on those who are longing to find security and peace in a relationship with God.
But what is sin, really? I think it is more than just our mistakes and negative emotions. It is a result of our fallen nature and God being absent from our lives. We were designed for a relationship with our heavenly Father. So, ever since the fall, we have not been able to be close to him the way we need to be.
This leaves us anxious and longing for:
A sense of security.
An unconditional love.
A greater meaning in our lives.
I tend to view the fall in Genesis three as a traumatic experience that humanity went through that resulted in a separation from the God who loves us more than anyone else ever could. No wonder we struggle so much to trust in him. After all, Matthew 26:41 reads, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
How Can We Trust In God When We Are Anxious?
Trusting in the Holy Spirit is easier said than done. The best way to learn about Jesus’ character and to find proof that he is trustworthy is simply to read the scriptures. Here are a few points the Bible repeats to stress the faithfulness of God’s character:
He is reliable: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” - Numbers 23:19.
He guides us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” - Isaiah 41:10.
He is patient and abounding in love: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
It is human to struggle with trusting in God. All of us experience anxiety, and some of us experience it on a clinical level. But our God loves perfectly, regardless of how things are going in our lives. Because we are Christians, we have hope that ultimately Jesus will protect and provide for us.
Want To Learn More?
As Biblically informed counselors, we strive to provide counseling interventions that align with your beliefs in Jesus. If you are looking to begin or resume work on your therapeutic journey addressing your anxiety, reach out to get connected with a therapist providing Christian Counseling today.
