Two Ways to Find Peace in an Anxious World (TGC Talks)
Jul 21, 2023
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Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra discusses how Christians can find peace in an anxious world by thinking big and thinking small. They explore the decline of belief in America and the anxiety it causes, as well as strategies to find peace. Rachelle Starr's mission to help girls in the sex industry is also highlighted. They emphasize the importance of finding God's work and trusting His promises.
Anxiety is on the rise due to cultural shifts, media focus on negative news, and limited exposure to diverse perspectives.
Christians can find peace by thinking big by meditating on God's promises and thinking small by focusing on positive stories of individuals making a difference in their communities.
Deep dives
Anxiety on the Rise
Anxiety has increased in America since the 1990s, with high school students reporting sleep troubles and college students feeling overwhelmed. Suicide rates have risen, and there has been a decline in faith and trust towards the church and pastors. The cultural shift has led to anxiety among Christians as their faith is misunderstood and seen as outdated or bigoted.
Media and Anxiety
The media plays a role in increasing anxiety with its focus on negative news, which triggers physical responses in people. The constant access to negative news through smartphones and social media exacerbates anxiety. Additionally, algorithms limit the perspectives and narrow the news that individuals are exposed to.
Thinking Big and Small
To combat anxiety, Christians can think big by meditating on God's promises of His presence and love. They can also think small by focusing on the positive things happening around them. Stories of individuals making a difference in their communities, like a woman reaching out to girls in the sex industry, can inspire hope and trust in God's work.
Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra—co-author (with Collin Hansen) of the new book Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age—discusses some of the reasons anxiety is on the rise. She explains how Christians can find peace in two seemingly contradictory ways: by thinking big, and by thinking small.
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