The Anxiety Epidemic
The United States has become a country consumed by anxiety. It can realistically be stated that 100% of all humans, to some extent, have worried in the past and will worry in the future. However, the anxiety epidemic has grown to the point where 19% of Americans in 2019 — before COVID — reported an “anxiety disorder” every year since 2010. That's over 50 million people. Anxiety affects the teen population even more, with 31% of U.S. adolescents 13-18 meeting the criteria for a diagnosable anxiety disorder by age 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. According to the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, nearly one third of adults (32.3%) reported anxiety and depression symptoms in 2023. Currently, about 300 million people worldwide have reported problems with anxiety.
Experts say, “The main cause of anxiety is intolerance of uncertainty.” Anxiety disorders arise when people conjure up fears about the future. They “catastrophize,” and this “false alarm” keeps them up at night worrying about everything from jobs, their relationships, the political turmoil, the economy, the mistakes they made in the past, to worry that worrying is causing them to lose sleep and become depressed.
Secular studies show that spiritual people (not necessarily just Christians) generally have improved mental health and less anxiety because they can more easily accept uncertainty. Spirituality brings with it a sense of humility that we are not the center of the universe, and not in control. Belief in something beyond themselves can bring emotional peace. Spiritual individuals tend to accept uncertainty more easily. The humility that comes with spirituality acknowledges that we are not the center of the universe and not entirely in control. This acceptance can lead to emotional peace and resilience.
God prompted me to write this after an anxious night with only four hours sleep. You would think that someone who is in their 80s and has been used by God around the world for God’s glory would not have problems with worry and anxiety. However, I realize that God will not be finished with His spiritual transformation of me until He brings me Home to Heaven. I hopefully will have fewer and fewer episodes of anxiety in my earthly future.
On the human side, I need to realize that secular studies report that on average, people report three to four testable worries per day. 91% of worries turn out to be false alarms. Of the remaining 9% of worries that come true, the outcome is better than expected about a third of the time.
But most of all, you and I need to stand firmly and continuously on the Word of God and the reality that our loving Heavenly Father is sovereign and wants the eternal best for His family members.
The Bible offers comforting verses that address anxiety and worry. Here are some key passages:
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
4. Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
5. Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
6. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
These verses offer comfort and encouragement, reminding you and me to trust in God’s loving care and find peace amidst life’s challenges.
In addition, God is in ultimate control of His creation and rules over all things. He has power and authority over Satan and his demons, nature, all governments and politicians, financial situations, history, etc. That’s what being sovereign means.
When I came to the reality that God is sovereign, it changed my worldview and my view of God. It is an awesome truth and almost becomes unbelievable when paired with love. God is LOVE (1 John 4:8). God did not need the world or need people because God is complete and perfect in His Triune being, needing nothing. God brought the world into existence according to His good pleasure (Revelation 4:11…for You created all things and for Your pleasure they are and were created.”); He created people in His image so that they could share in His overflowing love through their relationships with the Triune God and give Him glory.
I repeat once again that in times of anxiety, you and I need to reflect strongly on the truth and power of God’s Word and thank Him, in His sovereignty, for being in control and loving us more than we love ourselves.
