Loving Someone with Anxiety
Even before the world was struck with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people already struggled with anxiety. However, this pandemic has exacerbated those feelings of worry, uncertainty, nervousness, and fear in both Christians and unbelievers. The difference between us and those who are lost, is that we can hold onto God’s truths for our lives even when we feel like we are in utter despair.
“Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
-Pro. 12:25
Remind them of God’s faithfulness
When someone has anxiety, there are several things you can do. First, remind them of God’s faithfulness. This is not only in their lives, but in the Bible. When days are dark, all of us need to be reminded of what God has done before. Because the God who delivered Daniel from the lions’ den is the same God we worship today. The God who can do ALL things is by our side! (Deut. 31:6) This might be most helpful for believers, however, their experience with anxiety is a great opportunity to share the Gospel with those who don’t believe. We have the power to speak life into people who are hurting with the afflictions of this world.
Listen
I find that I always want to encourage and remain positive during any situation. Over time, I had to learn to say less and listen more. Sometimes a person who is anxious just wants to be heard. Other times, they just want you to sit with them in silence.
Pray
While God may respond with immediate relief, we must understand that this might be a life-long process for some. We may not know what God’s plan is for this person but we do know that we are called to pray as a way to fight the battle.
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” - Eph. 6:18
Even when they don’t believe, their time of need might lead them to seek help from a God they might not know. Odds are that if you offer to pray with them, they’ll be more likely to accept prayer. Even if they reject prayer, we can always lift them in prayer during our time alone with God.
Encouragement for you
Loving someone with anxiety can weigh heavily on our hearts, especially when we are closest to them. With a desire to be a good daughter, sister, wife, we can find ourselves struggling with what to say, pray or do. It is during these moments that we must understand that God is in control.
Dear sisters, I encourage you to lean not on your own strength and understanding. As the Apostle Paul assures us, let us lean instead on the “Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26) Throughout the New testament Paul encourages the churches(and us). During moments, in which we might see our loved ones suffer, I pray that we are able to hold onto these exhortations and keep .
“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” (ESV) - Titus 3:14
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works,” (CSB) - Heb. 10:23-24
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (ESV) - Gal. 6:9
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meagan is a Jersey girl doing life in New York City, as a Kindergarten teacher. She recently married her best friend. Meagan loves the Lord and serves and worships at a church plant. During her spare time she likes to read, travel, and eat good food.