AVIZANDUM: Anxiety Skyrockets

Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avizandum. All of the statistics make it very clear.

Levels of anxiety are increasing. Sadly, this statistic is true of our children, students and young adults. On the face of it, this seems astonishing in a country which prides itself on being the greatest society ever. There is food for everyone. even for the homeless.

Employment rates are down. The US is the consumer society. and even those who begin at the bottom of the social economic scale can reach the pinnacle of success.

So What's going wrong? I'm not an expert in the social sciences, and there are many reasons for the rate of anxiety and the subsequent dispensing of all kinds of medication to treat depression. Anxiety. stress and so on.

Some experts pointed social media as one of the causes. The constant touching over iPhones is problematic. Young people see their friends on social media having a wonderful time while they are stuck. alone in their bedrooms. Instant news lets us know the horrors of war, tragedy, death throughout our world.

Students feel that parents put high demands on them. Many students have unrealistic expectations for their own future. where they're being told if they just believe they can be anything they want to be. Divorce and abuse of all kinds in the home clearly produce a host of problems. including anxiety.

Chaos. and uncertainty. In prior societies, the vast majority of people stayed at the same social and economic level as their parents and grandparents.

Now the opportunities for advancement in all areas of life seem endless. But many feel they're being left behind. and there's no way forward. Dating apps provide opportunities to meet people at the other end of the country. even at the other end of the world.

But why do so many of these relationships end in tears? frustration and anger. When young people talk so much about community, many have no meaningful relationships in their lives. Obviously, the cure for anxiety, worry, and pressure are not easy. But I do want to give a Christian response.

At the root of much anxiety is a question of identity. Who am I? What's the meaning of life? What's life all about? Is personal security even possible?

The Christian view is that we're created by God in His image. And that He has created us to glorify Him. It is as Jesus taught, by losing ourselves that we gain ourselves. For What shall it profit a man? if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, According to the teaching of Jesus, the way of joy, stability, and peace is not by living a life of selfishness and self absorption.

Rather it is by repenting of our self centered desires and placing our trust in the Lord Jesus, who is God incarnate. He is sent by God into this world to rescue us from our selfishness, to forgive us, and through the power of His resurrection to indwell us. Following Jesus, we then become more and more like him. And the more and more we're like Jesus, the more secure we become, irrespective of our status in society or achievements. or our surrounding circumstances.

When difficulties and problems come into our lives, as inevitably they do. We are to bring our anxiety and our worry to God. He promises that supernatural peace will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus told us not to be anxious, but He said, Our Heavenly Father watches over us and cares for us.

This doesn't eliminate the problems and struggles of life, but we are assured that His strength, His wisdom and peace are sufficient as we trust Him each day. Understanding that our identity is rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ provides a confidence and a stability. Knowing that Jesus gives us eternal life and we shall never perish, assures us of a promised future with Him. For all eternity. And no force in the whole universe can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Our Lord Jesus is always with us. and nothing can snatch us out of his hand.

So Place your trust in Jesus Christ. Trust him as your Saviour and Lord. Cast all of your anxieties and worries on him, because he cares for you. And Jesus still says to his followers, Peace. I leave with you.

My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them. be afraid.

Avizando. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.