A Biblical Treatment for Anxiety

Are you a casualty of the August 2007 Minneapolis Bridge collapse? Chances are very good you are not a relative of someone who was injured or killed in that tragedy. Chances are even better that you are not someone who was on the bridge that fateful afternoon. So how could you be a casualty? You could be one of those who either already had or now have gephyrophobia.

Pat Farrell, PhD has this to say about gephyrophobia. “Today, however, in this series on phobias, I am going to add one that is a serious phobia, but not in the top 10 list; gephyrophobia, an abnormal fear of crossing bridges.

The bridge in Minneapolis, MN, no doubt, has heightened this fear in those who never liked crossing bridges in the first place, and has probably created a definite fear of crossing bridges in others…

While people with gephyrophobia know that their fear is unreasonable, it, nevertheless, grips them to the point that they may experience a panic attack when they approach a bridge.” August 02, 2007 http://blogs.webmd.com/anxiety-and-stress-management/

In her blog Dr. Farrell goes on to briefly describe a treatment for this phobia and anxiety condition.

I found her discussion enlightening and the therapy she discussed and others such as hypnosis and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) do help. However, as a Christian I noticed an important element she and so many others leave out. That was of course, God!

The Bible has a lot to say about anxiety and many of the promises in the Bible point to solutions. One example is Jesus’ promise in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

Dr. Merrill Tenney wrote, "The peace he spoke of is the calmness of confidence in God.” The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol.9, p.148. Peace and calmness of course are the opposite of anxiety, phobia, and panic attacks. Peace and calmness are important gifts God has for His children!

Ray Stedman expands this thought writing, “Have you really come to understand the great fact that peace is our inheritance/ Peace is what Jesus has left us. It is basic and fundamental and cannot be taken away from us by any circumstance. That is what he means by, ‘I give not as the world gives.’ ... Jesus says, ‘I give peace right in the midst of trouble, right in the midst of distress and turmoil and heartache and pressure. I can impart peace to your heart right here, and not as the world gives.’ Why? Because we can return to that basic relationship we have – ‘You in me, and I in you.’ He will bring us to the end of the trouble.” Secrets of the Spirit, p.71

Even without bridges falling down there is plenty of trouble, distress, turmoil, and danger in our lives. In fact, it is relatively easy to find someone who has something falling down in their life. A harder task is finding someone who is not anxious about something! We definitely need peace in our lives today.

During several periods of my life, John 14:27 came to the front as my favorite Bible verse at the time. Those periods all had this in common: they were times of uncertainty/anxiety. In fact I remember writing the verse down and putting it in my wallet. Then I would often take it out and reread it. It was a touchstone to the reality of God’s work in my life.

I have to admit that even with the Minneapolis Bridge collapse and the subsequent news about all the “structurally deficient” bridges in the US, crossing a bridge is not a problem of mine. However, other things are problems, and right now as I am writing this, those problems seem unsolvable. They are behind some very anxious moments for me.

So again, I am turning to the God of Peace, who gives peace to His children. I am turning to the God who provides, to be my provider. I am yet again, accepting His gifts to me of peace, calmness, provision, and wisdom. As I focus on Him and not the issue, the anxiety again fades. Then I am able to take the next step.

I know God can and will do the same for you.

Whether your anxiety is over a bridge, a job, illness, or something else, reflect on John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” and let God’s peace again calm your soul.

“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen”. Romans 15:33

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker August 2007



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker