It you let it, anxiety will destroy you.
Statistics say that 18.1% of Americans between the ages of 18-54 have been diagnosed with some kind of anxiety disorder. That is approx. 40 Million people. Although current estimates place the percentage around 30% because many people do not seek help or are misdiagnosed.
Add in to that the growing trend of children less than 18 that are being diagnosed with anxiety, not to mention those over 54 struggling with anxiety.
Did you know that there are 6 specific types of anxiety?
General Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Specific Phobias
Panic Disorder
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
PTSD - Post traumatic Stress Disorder
One could get anxious just reading that list.
According to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders”, a study commissioned by the ADAA, Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 Billion a year.
While certainly there are times that medication might be needed as prescribed by a doctor, realize that the Anti-anxiety medication business is a multi billion dollar industry. Not to mention the use “non-sanctioned” use of other drugs, and certainly the use of alcoholic beverages to sedate our worries and fears.
Anxiety is a real problem in America and in the world.
It will destroy your joy.
I will destroy your peace.
It will destroy relationships.
It will destroy your health.
It will destroy your life.
So what does the Bible say about the topic? Does it say anything at all?
Psalm 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken)
Worry is what happens when you structure your life around temporal things. In other words, Worry can consume you when you attach your worth, and happiness, and satisfaction in the things of the world.
If you can misplace it, if markets can devour it, if rust can ruin it, or if thieves can steal it, don’t anchor your life with it.
Matthew 6:20 says: Don’t collect treasures on earth...but rather work to collect for yourselves
treasures in heaven.
Follow these steps to avoid the destruction of Anxiety.
Don’t worry or it just might be the death of you. Trust God instead.