Christian Latina Leadership Blog

By Verónica Martínez-Gallegos

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We are living in times where anxiety is acutely present in our daily lives. And I am not talking about anxiety as a mental illness, but as a preoccupation with the worries of daily life that robs us of peace. Especially in these times of uncertainty and scarcity of food, security, and economic stability. So, how can we avoid feeling anxious about an uncertain future by remembering God’s care and love?

The word “anxiety” comes from the Greek verb miremnao, which means “to be divided or distracted.” In Latin, the same word is translated as anxius, adding the nuance of “to strangle or choke.” This is the origin of the word anxiety. So, in difficult times, anxiety threatens to strangle our lives, leaving us suffocated by fear.

Anxiety, in the long run, drains our resources and leaves us emotionally bankrupt and spiritually paralyzed. For this reason, it is essential to confront it when it arises during difficult times.

Anxiety is nothing new. The Bible speaks extensively about it.

In the parable of the sower in Mark 4, Jesus painted a picture in the minds of his listeners of a farmer sowing seeds in four different types of soil. In that picture, he mentions in verse 7 that some of the seed sown among thorns was choked and did not bear fruit.

Later, Jesus gives his disciples the interpretation of the parable, explaining that the message is quickly overshadowed by the worries (anxiety) of this life, the allure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so that no fruit is produced. Mark 4:18-19.

Here, anxiety springs up like weeds and thorns, growing around the Word of God and choking the life and peace it can offer. In the parable of the seed and the soil, Jesus makes a direct connection between the devastating effects of anxiety and the suffocating grip it creates.

In his book titled Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It’s Always Something! Charles R. Swindoll says that “anxiety is painful disquietness of the mind that feeds on impending (threatening) fears.” In other words, anxiety originates in our minds and frightens us about things that may never happen.

Furthermore, anxiety creates negative effects such as panic attacks and physical and spiritual weakness. Let’s look at some examples of anxiety:

So, is there an antidote for anxiety?

The Apostle Paul gives us encouraging words:

If we are currently going through times of anxiety, let’s read Proverbs 12:25 (NRSVUE):

What does Jesus say about anxiety? “Do not worry.” You will not gain anything by worrying.

In Matthew 6, our Lord Jesus gave the remedy for anxiety. Taking into account people’s most common worries, he proceeded to give us a wise illustration for combating this great affliction.

If we focus on worries and anxieties, we will never know what God truly wants to do in our lives.

The root of anxiety is fear of the future. Knowing that worry or anxiety would be a dilemma we face today, Jesus commands us not to worry and not to let anxiety take root in our emotions, in the high expectations we have of life or people, or in past events. Jesus invites us to put a stop to worrying.

While this time of year can bring us much joy, it can also bring anxiety and worry due to the financial, time, and effort demands we face. If at any point during this time anxiety or worry threatens to steal our joy and peace, let us accept Jesus’ invitation to put a stop to worrying and trust in God’s provision and that He always cares for us.