Did Jesus have anxiety? (And, if so, how can that help me?)
Anxiety is a big player in our world today, with general anxiety disorder affecting 6.8 million adults in the U.S., according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Additionally, only about 43.2% of those affected are receiving treatment, leaving many looking for hope. If you’re dealing with anxiety day in and day out, you may find yourself wondering if Jesus ever dealt with anxiety. If He did, how can that help you?
Types of anxiety
Did you know that there’s more than one type of anxiety? It’s true, there is. Additionally, not all anxiety is considered a disorder. Some everyday anxiety is normal and may include the following feelings:
Awkwardness during some social settings.
Panic or anxiety before a big moment or event.
Worry regarding things like tests, bills or relationship status.
Fear related to danger — an object or scenario.
In many cases, these emotions are considered to be a normal part of life. However, those with anxiety disorder will experience something more similar to:
Unrelenting worry that disrupts your daily life and doesn’t seem to have a cause.
Fears that appear irrational or unexplainable when a risk of danger is not present.
Avoiding social settings to avoid feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.
Experiencing unexplained panic attacks.
These feelings are not normal and there is help available to you. And, you are not alone.
Did Jesus have anxiety?
Regardless of the variety of anxiety you experience, it may be helpful to understand whether Jesus had anxiety. The Bible doesn’t explicitly say that Jesus struggled with anxiety, but there are scenarios where we see evidence of everyday anxiety — because Jesus was, after all, fully human and fully God. Perhaps, the biggest moment of potential anxiety we see from Jesus is when He is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to being crucified on the cross.
The story is recounted in Matthew 26:36-46. During this passage, Jesus pleads with His Father, falling on his face and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (verse 39 NASB). During this passage, we can ascertain that Jesus is nervous and scared for the journey He must make, praying for God another way — but, ultimately, submitting to His fate.
How can Jesus help me with anxiety?
Conversely, we see many examples in the Bible where Jesus helped calm anxiety. Here some examples:
Jesus was lost in the temple. When Jesus was a young boy, Mary and Joseph lost Him for a while. They were wracked with worry — like any parent would be — and eventually found Him in the temple. Read Jesus’ response in Luke 2:49 (NIV): “‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’”
Jesus tells us not to worry. In Matthew 6, Jesus encourages believers to not worry about a single thing. Reminding Christians that He has clothed the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, He says, “Are you not much more important than they?” (verse 26 NIV).
Cast all your cares on Jesus. Can you imagine giving all your fears and cares to someone else to handle? How much relief would you feel? That’s what Jesus encourages us to do in Philippians 4:6 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
If you’re willing, Jesus can help you with your anxiety (with the understanding that sometimes that means seeking professional help). The best way to help with everyday anxiety is to begin a relationship with Jesus. If you’re ready to do that, please reach out to us.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. And every journey needs a Starting Point.
Starting Point groups are in-person, stress-free and judgment-free groups that meet periodically at Centerpoint Church. Here, you can spend some time getting to know fellow group members, reading and having an open conversation about topics like God, the scriptures, faith and Jesus. Completely new to the teachings of Jesus? Returning to church after a long break? Questioning the teachings you were brought up with or just unsure what you believe? Our Starting Point groups are here to help you navigate your faith journey. Get in touch with us to learn when the next Starting Point group is meeting or to join a Starting Point group.