Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. today?
You might assume that we have a major anxiety problem just by the number of commercials you see for new medicines to treat these disorders, but is anxiety really a new thing?
The Reality Of Anxiety
Modern medicine recognizes anxiety in many forms: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and various phobias. Data shows nearly a third of all U.S. adults will experience some form of anxiety in their lifetime. The cost of treating anxiety disorders in the U.S. runs into the tens of billions of dollars, with an even higher economic impact due to lost productivity.
What causes this widespread anxiety? According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes aren’t fully understood but likely include physical and mental health issues, as well as negative life events such as job loss or financial troubles.
If you’re struggling with persistent anxiety, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Medication and counseling can be transformative.
Jesus’ Teachings On Anxiety
Despite appearing like a modern affliction exacerbated by hectic schedules, technology overload, and perhaps even diet, anxiety is not new. We know this because Jesus addresses it in the Bible, particularly Matthew 6 and Luke 12.
Matthew 6:25-26 says:
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Imagine the disciples traveling around Galilee and Judea, relying on donations for their needs. It’s easy to see why they might have felt anxious about where they’d sleep or their next meal. Jesus encourages them to have faith.
In Matthew 6:31-33, He says:
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Resisting The Love Of Money
John Rinehart, founder of Gospel Patrons, explains that Jesus aims to free us from fear and anxiety to be distinct from the world. The world often idolizes money and seeks comfort and security through wealth. While financial planning is important, it shouldn’t be for the sake of leisure alone. Rinehart notes that the world is preoccupied with wealth, which can be perilous for Christians.
Jesus warns of this temptation, emphasizing the need to resist the love of money by recognizing our value to God. He made us with a purpose. Jesus instructs us to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness first, promising our needs will be met.
We must actively participate in our provision and trust God to fulfill His promise. When we understand our worth to God, we’ll pursue His Kingdom and boldly share the Gospel, glorifying Him in the process.
The Choice We All Have To Make
Ultimately, we all face a choice: will we follow the world or seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? We can’t do both. As Jesus states in Matthew 6:24:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Choose God over money and watch the cares of the world fade away.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- I have two debts here that I'd like to see which one to tackle first. One is obviously just my own mortgage, which I have about 5% interest. And the other one is a small business loan I obtained a couple of years ago at a lower interest rate of 3.5%. I don't know if it makes sense to put all my extra income and money now that I have come to every extra income towards an SBA loan or if you should go ahead and try to pay the home off.
- I have a couple of CD IRAs above from my wife and me. One was a four-year and a two-year one a while ago, but they both matured around the same time. When I went to roll over the CD IRAs, they were like $20,000, and they said you can only put in $7,000 per person now. I'm wondering what I should do because otherwise, I must pay taxes.
- I recently received mail promoting a service called ID Resolve. Is it worth it to get these ID protection plans?
- We have a term life insurance policy that is ending. We can cash it out or roll it into a whole life policy, but we have other adequate life insurance. I'm just wondering if there's a way to put that money in a savings account for our child's college expenses in about a year and a half that would not be painful for taxes.
Resources Mentioned:
- 1Password
- LastPass
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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