It’s kind of sad, that here in the United States, with an incredible economy, an incredible medical system, more food than you could possibly consume, more entertainment than anyone could ever enjoy, with housing so incredible that even the “homeless” live better than much of the world, and access to more psychological help than ever, that anyone could suffer from stress, anxiety and depression. Yet, this study finds more Americans than ever are suffering…
Why? How can the people of this country, which is known throughout the world by the quotation on the Statue of Liberty, still be tired, poor, and huddled? Why aren’t they “breathing free”? How can these people be suffering stress, anxiety and depression?
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” –by Emma Lazarus
It’s no coincidence that our society is moving farther and farther away from Biblical values and Biblical precepts. It’s no coincidence that more and more people are turning away from Christianity. It’s no coincidence that more and more people are self-identifying as religion of none.
Here are some godly answers to stress, depression, and anxiety
“Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 GWT)
Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 GWT)
“So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes? “Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? “And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers. That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith? “Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. (Matthew 6:25-33 GWT)
But, the number one answer for anxiety comes from the Psalms, which have provided guidance and comfort to millions of people for thousands of years. If you start at Psalm 1 and begin reading, it will only take 2 pages to get to the beautiful Psalm 4. My highest recommendation is to read all of the Psalms. David has given detailed accounts of every conceivable scenario and he has answered with God’s perspective and God’s guidance. Here is Psalm 4 to get you started…
Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4 GWT)