The Root of Anxiety: Unbelief in God’s Promises
Isaac Megbolugbe
January 28, 2025
Introduction
Anxiety has become an epidemic, affecting millions worldwide, including believers. Despite living in a wealthy society like the United States, with its extensive welfare system, Christians still struggle with anxiety over basic needs like finances, housing, food, and clothing. But what is the root cause of this anxiety? Jesus reveals the answer in Matthew 6:30: “O you of little faith.” Unbelief in God’s promises is the heart of the anxiety epidemic among believers. It’s a lack of trust in God’s future grace that drives anxiety, even in the midst of abundance. We fail to believe that God will provide, that He is our Father who cares for us, and that His promises are true.
Jesus teaches us to look to our Father for provision, just like the birds and flowers do (Matthew 6:25-30). He reminds us that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will take care of us. Yet, we often doubt His goodness and provision, leading to anxiety. This unbelief can manifest in various ways, such as:
– Fear of the future
– Worry about basic needs
– Lack of trust in God’s sovereignty
– Focus on circumstances rather than God’s promises
But Jesus encourages us to have faith in our Father’s promises. He reminds us that we are not alone, that He is with us, and that His grace is sufficient for us.
To overcome anxiety, we must:
– Seek God’s promises and truths
– Trust in His goodness and provision
– Focus on His character rather than our circumstances
– Cultivate a deepening faith in our Heavenly Father
By addressing the root cause of anxiety – unbelief – we can find peace and rest in God’s promises, even in the midst of uncertainty. Let us look to our Father, trust in His future grace, and live with the confidence that He is always with us.
The Consequences of Unbelief
When we fail to trust in God’s promises, we open ourselves up to a host of negative consequences, including:
– Anxiety and worry
– Fear and dread
– Lack of peace and rest
– Inability to trust God in other areas of life
– Missed opportunities for growth and faith-building
On the other hand, when we choose to believe God’s promises, we experience:
– Peace and rest
– Trust and confidence
– Freedom from anxiety and worry
– Growth and deepening of our faith
– Ability to trust God in all areas of life
The Solution: Cultivating Faith
So, how can we cultivate faith and overcome unbelief? Here are a few practical steps:
– Read and meditate on God’s promises in Scripture
– Seek encouragement from other believers
– Practice prayer and worship
– Take small steps of faith, trusting God in small ways
– Seek accountability and support from others
By taking these steps, we can begin to build our faith and trust in God’s promises, overcoming unbelief and finding peace and rest in Him.
Additional Scriptures for reflection:
– Matthew 6:25-34
– Philippians 4:6-7
– 1 Peter 5:7
– Psalm 23
– Isaiah 41:10
May God bless you as you seek to cultivate faith and trust in His promises.
The Power of Remembrance
One of the most effective ways to cultivate faith and overcome unbelief is through remembrance. Remembering God’s past faithfulness and provision can help us trust Him in the present and future.
– Recall times when God has provided for you in the past
– Reflect on how God has been faithful to you in difficult circumstances
– Remember God’s promises and truths from Scripture
– Share your story of God’s faithfulness with others
By remembering God’s goodness and faithfulness, we can build our trust and confidence in Him, overcoming unbelief and anxiety.
The Discipline of Gratitude
Another powerful tool for cultivating faith is gratitude. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we begin to see God’s goodness and provision in our lives.
– Keep a gratitude journal to record things you are thankful for
– Share your gratitude with others
– Practice thankfulness in prayer and worship
– Reflect on how God’s goodness and provision have impacted your life
By cultivating gratitude, we can shift our focus away from anxiety and unbelief and towards God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Conclusion
Unbelief is a subtle but dangerous enemy of our faith. It can creep in and steal our peace, causing anxiety and worry. But by cultivating faith through remembrance, gratitude, and trust in God’s promises, we can overcome unbelief and find peace and rest in Him.
May God bless you as you seek to cultivate faith and trust in His goodness and provision.