Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad - Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad - Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety, n - An emotion characterized by apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension in which an individual anticipates impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune.

Everyone faces anxiety daily, as it's not prejudiced to any specific type of person, age, background, or culture. If left unchecked, this powerful emotion can lead to doubt, depression, and anger.

It's estimated that 12.33 billion people took anti-anxiety medications in 2025, and that rate is expected to rise to 17.56 billion by 2035.

Although there is a percentage of people who do have predisposed mental disorders, most people are choosing to take the easy way out by self-medicating rather than organically choosing to address the underlying issues head-on and find a viable solution.

I'm not a doctor or a psychologist, but in my humble opinion, the rise in anxiety is a direct result of a lack of faith among all people. Without faith, we are subject to a whole host of negative emotions and behaviors that seek to enslave us.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen - Hebrews 11:1

We live in a sinful world where terrible things have and will continue to happen, but the difference that's evident today is that, as a society, we have turned our backs on God and have removed him from his rightful place by choice.

The more we remove him from the foundations of what this country was built upon, the greater increase of evil and lack of hope we will encounter by default.

So what are some practical ways we can counter this plague of anxiety?

1.) Prayer - Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2.) Bible study - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3.) Faith - Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Without faith in Christ, we are choosing to live on our terms and try to deal with the consequences in our own strength and operate without hope.

When we freely choose to exercise the gift of faith for salvation that's available to everyone, we not only obtain peace for our lives but purpose and hope that extends far beyond our short time spent here on earth.

What will you choose?