I had a problem, because I worried that anxiety was a sin.

In Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4, Jesus and Paul seem to tell us ‘be anxious for nothing’ (Ph 4:6a) But here’s the thing; I can’t just turn it off. I remind myself of all the reasons I shouldn’t have to worry, but my rational mind is fighting against my emotions. My emotions usually win.

Where does this battle against fear come from? Gen 3:10 “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” Fear entered the human experience as a result of the first ever sin. In God’s loving care of the garden, no fear had been needed, Once outside of the garden, fear would be part of everyday life. Despised, but necessary for survival.

So what will God do about it? He became flesh, and dwelt among us. On Earth, He called people to come follow Him. These people worked each day for the day’s food. They lived under the reign of fear and worry. Would earthly fear prevent them from coming to Him? His answer; “do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I wonder, is it that He doesn’t want me to feel fear, or that He wants me to trust Him in spite of the fear? To take the fear from it’s place ruling my behaviour, and put God into that place. Then I can experience the ‘peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding’ (Phil 4:6b).

Contributed by Michaela O’Neill