As we kick off our new podcast series, I'm excited to dive into a topic close to my heart: the intersection of anxiety and faith. My co-host and I recently sat down to discuss my upcoming book, "Consider the Lies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God," set for release on October 8th. This conversation allowed me to share insights from my journey and explore how we can find solace in God's unchanging nature amidst our anxieties.
My Journey with "Consider the Lies"
My path to writing this book began during my time as a camp director at Hume Lake. Working with 30,000 to 50,000 high school students annually, I encountered an alarming prevalence of mental health issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
What struck me most was the stark contrast between the students' outward joy and their inner turmoil. This realization ignited my passion to address these issues from a biblical perspective.
Anxiety: A Cross-Generational Challenge
One of the most surprising discoveries in my research was that anxiety isn't limited to youth. I shared a startling statistic during our podcast:
The demographic most likely to take anti-depressants is 60-year-old white women.
This fact challenges the notion that anxiety primarily affects young people and highlights the need for resources that speak to multiple generations.
The Universality of Anxiety in Christian Circles
As I transitioned from camp ministry to teaching at a Christian university and eventually to pastoring, I discovered a common thread: anxiety doesn't discriminate based on spiritual knowledge or environment. Even in the most biblically-focused settings, people grapple with anxiety and depression. This realization underscores the universal nature of these challenges and the pressing need for a robust biblical response.
Contrasting Approaches to Anxiety
In "Consider the Lies," I identify a crucial distinction between secular and biblical approaches to anxiety:
- Modern Psychology: Encourages introspection and exploring one's "inner child."
- Biblical Approach: Directs us to look upward and contemplate God's character.
This paradigm shift from self-focus to God-focus forms the cornerstone of my approach to addressing anxiety.
God's Character: The Antidote to Anxiety
Drawing inspiration from J.I. Packer's "Knowing God," I emphasize that the remedy for anxiety isn't found in self-help techniques, but in a profound understanding of God's character. I argue that a lack of knowledge about who God is can lead to a troubled, anxious life.
The Paradox of Peace in Chaos
One of the most thought-provoking points I make in the book is that in our turbulent world, anxiety is actually a logical response. What's truly extraordinary is peace. This is why the Apostle Paul describes God's peace as something that "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Balancing Spiritual Truths and Practical Steps
While focusing on spiritual truths, I'm careful to acknowledge the value of practical resources:
- Biblical counseling
- Medical intervention when necessary
- Lifestyle adjustments
This balanced approach avoids an overly spiritualized perspective that neglects tangible steps toward mental health.
Unpacking Controversial Concepts
In "Consider the Lies," I touch on a potentially contentious idea: categorizing worry as sin. I promise to unpack this concept, explaining how this understanding can actually be liberating for believers.
Jesus' Multifaceted Approach to Anxiety
I highlight the nuanced way Jesus addresses anxiety in the Gospels:
- Tender compassion for those struggling with fear
- Gentle rebukes to disciples for lack of faith in anxious moments
This balanced approach demonstrates both God's empathy for our struggles and His call to deeper trust.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
As we concluded our conversation, I offered a glimpse into the upcoming content:
- God's consistent response to anxiety across Scripture
- Exploring the spiritual and physical roots of anxiety
- Deep dives into specific attributes of God's character
Conclusion: Finding Perfect Peace
Our discussion allowed me to share how my experiences have shaped my understanding of anxiety, even among devoted believers. My approach of grounding our understanding of anxiety in God's character offers a refreshing perspective that I believe will resonate widely.
Whether you're a teenager navigating social pressures, a parent concerned about your children's future, or a retiree facing health and financial worries, "Consider the Lies" promises to offer biblical insight and practical hope.
Remember, in a world that often feels chaotic, we serve a God who remains steadfast. As we fix our minds on Him, we can experience the perfect peace promised in Isaiah 26:3-4. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes as we continue to unpack these crucial topics!
