Anxiety and Frustration lead you into Darkness
So, I heard the voice of God say ‘Anxiety and frustration lead to darkness’. The operative word here is darkness, so what is the biblical meaning of darkness?
Amongst the many meanings, I discovered about darkness on the internet, I like the explanation below the most. It says ‘Darkness is open to interpretation since it’s defined as a lack of light. The explanation goes on to say ‘there’s also figurative darkness, which can represent wickedness, sadness, ignorance, or simply mystery.
In the Bible, light has always been a symbol of holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation. By contrast, darkness has been associated with evil, sin, and despair.
For me, darkness symbolizes all that is negative, harmful, evil, and fearful.
So, I now share with you my preferred meanings of frustration and anxiety which I found as I researched on the internet.
Frustration
What is the meaning of Frustration?
I found the meanings of frustration below on the internet, very simple and yet provide absolute clarity.
The first meaning is ‘The feeling of being upset or annoyed because of being unable to change or achieve something. For example, “tears of frustration rolled down her cheeks”
The second meaning is ‘The prevention of the progress, success, or fulfillment of something. For example, the ” frustration of their wishes”
Frustration is likely to result in a state of emotional imbalance and a lack of self-control if not managed correctly. We do not have all the answers, so we must take control of our minds. God doesn’t want us to wonder, be angry, or be disappointed. So, stop trying to figure things out. Instead, here is what God says to do.
The Bible says ‘Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken ‘
When people get frustrated, they get emotional and, in many cases, lose self-control and lack a sound mind. But here is what scripture says about being emotional in the book of James 1:19,20 KJV: ‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Frustration can also cause depression and anxiety. This means that you should not allow frustration to affect your mood by “casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you’. In the book of Philippians 4:6,7, scriptures say “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” And in the Book of Psalms, 34:17, the psalmist says “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
So, how do we deal with frustration? Here is what the bible says in Psalm 37:8, “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”And in the Book of Proverbs 14:29, ESV, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Anxiety
What is the meaning of Anxiety?
My search on the internet reveals this: Anxiety is ‘a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Another definition says anxiety is a ‘strong desire or concern to do something or for something to happen.’ The psalmist tells us in the book of Psalms 55:22, MSG, ‘Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders-he will carry your load, he’ll help you out. He will never let good people topple into ruin.’
How many times does Bible say do not be afraid?
All together some form of ‘Do not be afraid’ is repeated 365 times throughout Scripture! So many of our daily worries big and small revolve around fear of what will happen.
Do not be afraid.
That’s a daily reminder from God to live every day being fearless.
How does God want us to deal with anxiety?
Christ Empowers Us to Overcome Anxiety
The scriptural solution to anxiety is to have a disciplined mind that focuses on Christ. Cognitive Behavioral counselors would phrase this as identifying your unwanted problematic thoughts. The Bible agrees with psychology research on this issue.
Anxiety is Unproductive
Which one of us can add a single hour to our life by dwelling on what we are worried about (Matthew 6:27)? The answer is none. If we are preoccupied with worry, how can we accomplish anything? Anxiety distracts us and traps us.
Anxiety Renders Us Unable to Enjoy the Present
Whether the focus of our anxiety is forward-looking or in the past, it takes us out of the present. When we are not present here and now, we miss all that the present has to offer. The present moment is a temporary, fleeting gift that we will miss if we do not enjoy it now.
Anxiety is Noncompliant with God’s Word
The Bible is full of commands about anxiety:
- Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6).
- Fear not (Isaiah 41:10). This is also commanded 364 other times in scripture, by the way.
- Let not your hearts be troubled (John 14:1).
- Do not be dismayed (Joshua 1:9).
Anxiety is a Foe of Faith
Simply put, it’s very difficult to be simultaneously overcome by anxiety and to wholeheartedly trust in God. It’s like oil and water. We worry because we are concerned about things that we are uncertain about. In contrast, to trust in God is to know that He is in control, that He loves us, and that He wants what is best for us. We don’t need to be anxious if we are confident that he is in control and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Anxiety is a Waste of Time and Energy
When we allow ourselves to linger in the thoughts and fears that make us anxious, we waste time and miss the important things in life. We may miss out on the following:
- Engaging and connecting with God.
- Engaging and connecting with family (spouse, parents, children, etc.).
- Engaging and connecting with those in need around us.
- Planning, organizing, and directing our energy in a productive direction.
Christ Empowers Us to Overcome Anxiety
So, prepare your mind for action and exercise self-control. (1 Peter 1:13)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)
Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
How to Change Your Focus from Anxiety to Christ
Here are five ways that can help us deal with anxiety and change our focus from our problems to Christ.
Change Our Thinking
You can change your thinking by becoming more aware of the circumstances that trigger your anxiety. You can acknowledge your feelings and make intentional choices to shift your focus to Christ. Acknowledge that He is sufficient to help you and free you from whatever makes you feel anxious.
Be Thankful
Studies have proven that those who are thankful live longer, happier lives. Start a gratitude journal, write a letter of thankfulness, serve at a local charity, or spend some time in purposeful prayer of gratitude to God. God has given us so much to be thankful for. If we take the time to look for it and acknowledge it, our attitude can shift from worry to peace.
Practice Good Self-Care
Take care of ourselves by prioritizing physical exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and connection with other people. Find the activities that give us joy and energy and make time for them without apology. Take care of yourself.
Make Room for Joy
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. Laughter is also good for your heart and immune system and relaxes the whole body.
Look out for ‘clean’ comedies that put us in a light mood. Look out for triggers of laughter as often as possible. I once watched a program where I saw a group of Japanese just having a laughter session without any triggers and soon enough the waves of laughter became real and did the job, which is, the release of endorphins.
Seek Christian Counseling to Control Anxiety
Christian Counselling is an excellent place to start facing whatever it is that has us feeling anxious or worried. With the help of a good Christian counsellor, we can begin to find the solutions we are seeking. We must note that anxiety and frustration if not contained, will lead us to a place of evil, negativity, harm and fear.
Conclusion
With the experiences I have had in my lifetime, I know that God will never allow more upon us that we can’t bear. Besides, He always makes a way and leads us to victory. In the bible, 2 Corinthian 2:14, the Apostle says ‘But thanks to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spread the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
Praise Be To God Almighty, Praise Be To Our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise Be To The Holy Spirit.
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