Join Deepak Reju, an expert in counseling, Hayley Satrom, a mental health advocate, and Garrett Kell, a spiritual counselor, as they unravel the complex nature of anxiety. They discuss how anxiety acts as a spiritual x-ray revealing our true idols and fears. Personal anecdotes highlight the impact of childhood fears and the struggle between faith and worldly worries. The conversation emphasizes managing anxieties through spiritual reliance, encouraging listeners to view their struggles as opportunities for deeper faith.
Anxiety serves as a spiritual x-ray, revealing what individuals prioritize in their worship and relationship with God.
Recognizing the difference between 'good' and 'bad' anxiety fosters healthier coping mechanisms and encourages reliance on divine support.
Deep dives
Understanding Common Anxieties
Anxiety is a universal experience that manifests through various fears and worries. The hosts share personal anecdotes to illustrate this point, such as the fear of speaking in public and concerns stemming from past traumatic experiences. For one host, a burning accident caused persistent anxiety when encountering gasoline, while another expressed fears related to health as they age. These examples highlight how both rational and irrational fears can impact individuals, showing that anxiety often ties into personal history and context.
Distinguishing Good and Bad Anxiety
Anxiety can be categorized into 'good' and 'bad' types, where good anxiety might be a rational concern for the safety of loved ones or the spiritual well-being of family members. In contrast, bad anxiety often stems from an overwhelming sense of worry that leads to sin or idolatry, prioritizing fears over faith in God. The discussion suggests that some anxieties, while understandable, can become disproportionate to the real threats at hand, creating a need to examine what drives these feelings. Recognizing these distinctions helps to develop healthier responses to anxiety and worry.
The Role of Worship in Anxiety
Anxiety exposes deeper issues of worship, revealing what individuals prioritize over their relationship with God. When people fear the opinions of others, they may inadvertently give power to those fears, overshadowing their reverence for God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of turning the focus back to God, asserting that true peace comes from fearing Him above all else. This shift in perspective is crucial in understanding that anxiety serves as a diagnostic tool, highlighting what truly occupies one's heart and attention.
Using Anxiety as a Call to Action
Anxiety is seen as a signal prompting individuals to draw closer to God rather than retreat into self-protection or avoidance. The hosts suggest viewing anxieties as alerts, reminding believers of their need for divine intervention and support. This proactive approach allows individuals to bring their fears before God, who is described as a loving figure ready to provide care and guidance. By embracing these moments of vulnerability, believers can strengthen their faith and shift their trust back to God, countering the debilitating nature of anxiety.
Anxiety is the spiritual x-ray that God uses to reveal who or what you worship. In this episode of Counseling Talk, Deepak Reju, Hayley Satrom, and Garrett Kell start the first of three episodes on anxiety.