Samantha was a young girl who loved to explore the outdoors. She would go on hikes and adventures with her family and friends. But one day, Samantha found herself feeling different. She was scared to go outside and explore like she used to.
Her mom noticed the change in Samantha and asked her what was wrong. Samantha said she didn't know, but she just felt scared. Her mom tried to help by asking if Samantha was scared of anything specific, but she couldn't name anything.
Samantha's mom explained to her that there's a difference between being scared and being anxious. When you're scared, you're usually scared of something specific, like a big dog or a loud noise. But when you're anxious, you might not be able to say exactly what you're anxious about.
Samantha thought about what her mom said and realized that she was feeling anxious. She was worried about what might happen if she went on another adventure. She was afraid of the unknown and what might happen if she stepped out of her comfort zone.
Samantha's mom reassured her that it was normal to feel anxious sometimes and that it was okay to take things at her own pace. She told Samantha that they could start with small adventures, like going for a walk in the park or trying a new activity at home.
Slowly but surely, Samantha started to feel more confident. She realized that the things she was anxious about were often things that were not likely to happen or were out of her control. She learned to focus on the present moment and not worry too much about the future.
Eventually, Samantha was able to go on big adventures again. She still felt a little anxious sometimes, but she knew how to manage it. She learned that it's okay to be scared sometimes, but it's important to not let fear hold you back.
From then on, Samantha was able to enjoy the outdoors and have fun exploring again. She was grateful for her mom's help and for teaching her the difference between fear and anxiety. Samantha felt more confident and empowered, knowing that she had the tools to overcome her anxieties and fears.
Anxiety vs Fear
Anxiety is a feeling that can be different from being scared. When you're scared, you're usually scared of something right in front of you, like failing a test or not making a deadline. But when you're anxious, you might not be able to say exactly what you're anxious about. You might be anxious about something that might happen in the future or something that's not very likely to happen. You might feel worried about staying safe, being in control, or facing a challenge.
Understanding the nature of anxiety involves considering what it is and what it is not. Anxiety differs from fear in several ways.
Fear is usually directed towards something concrete and immediate, while anxiety is frequently not directed towards a specific object or situation.
Anxiety often involves imagining some danger that is only remotely likely or not immediately pressing.
Anxiety can be directed towards the future, overall safety or security, uncertainty, losing control, or vague feelings of impending harm.
The Bible vs Fear + Anxiety
The Bible can help us handle fear and anxiety in the following ways:
By reminding us of God's love and protection. In many places, the Bible tells us that God loves us and is always with us. For example, Psalm 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." When we are afraid or anxious, we can turn to these verses to remind us that God is watching over us and will take care of us.
By encouraging us to pray. The Bible tells us to pray about everything and to cast our anxieties on God. In Philippians 4:6-7, it says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we pray, we can give our fears and anxieties to God and ask for his help and peace.
By providing examples of people who overcame fear and anxiety through faith. The Bible is full of stories of people who faced difficult situations and overcame them through faith. For example, when David faced the giant Goliath, he trusted in God's protection and was able to defeat him. When the disciples were afraid during a storm, Jesus calmed the winds and the waves. By reading these stories, we can be inspired to trust in God and overcome our own fears and anxieties.
Questions for You:
Are you feeling anxious?
Can you identify your fears and things that makes you anxious?
What are you going to do to handle your anxiety?