What is Anxiety, Really?: Finding Freedom through Christian Brain Rewiring
Nov 25, 2023
Anxiety—a word that carries a lot of weight, especially in today's world. It's a term that's often misunderstood and carries with it a certain stigma, particularly within Christian circles. But it's high time we demystified this word and cleared up the misconceptions that surround it. The first step towards that clarity is education, so let's dive in and set the record straight.
Understanding the Brain's Role in Anxiety
So, what exactly is anxiety? At its core, anxiety is a protective mechanism. It's a response that our brains initiate unconsciously, with one primary goal: survival. Contrary to popular belief, this response doesn't start with our thoughts but rather in the brain itself, specifically in the Limbic region of the brain. You see, anxiety is a normal neurological response to either real or perceived danger. It's our brain's way of preparing us to deal with a threat.
Myth 1: Anxiety is Bad and Needs to be Avoided
You see, anxiety isn't inherently bad. It only becomes problematic when it becomes dysregulated due to significant trauma or when multiple stressors converge, pushing our brains into overdrive. When this happens, the brain and body can get stuck in a state of survival, what we often refer to as the "fight/flight or freeze" response. And this is where it gets tricky because this dysregulated anxiety can trigger a whole host of seemingly unrelated symptoms, leading to confusion and distress and oftentimes a variety of diagnosis.
Myth 2: Anxiety is a Sin
Anxiety itself, is not a sin and here's how I know:
The garden of Gethsemane offers a profound example of this, as it is here that Jesus, who is sinless and perfect, experiences extreme agony and anxiety before his crucifixion.
In the garden, Jesus fully understands the weight and significance of the events that would unfold.
He knows that he is about to be separated from God, taking on the sins of humanity upon himself, enduring immense physical and emotional pain. It is in this moment that his humanity fully emerges.
The Gospel accounts mention that Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
This condition, called hematidrosis, is a rare physiological response to extreme stress or anxiety. This highlights the depth of his emotional struggle and its very physical manifestation.
However, despite his overwhelming distress, Jesus remains sinless.
Jesus models for us in Gethsemane that it is not the presence of anxiety that defines sin but how we respond to it.
Myth #3 Anxiety is a Cross Some Have to Bear
Friends, anxiety is not a divine burden but a challenge, and challenges are meant to be overcome.
The Cross of Christ stands as a symbol of victory that includes the burdensome weight of anxiety. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within believers (Romans 8:11), and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Jesus, before His departure, assured us of His peace, saying, 'My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you' (John 14:27).
Anxiety is not a cross; it's a bridge inviting us to walk into the freedom and peace Christ has secured for us.
Thank you Jesus!
How We Can Challenge Anxiety:
#1 Embrace a Kingdom Mindset
Understanding that anxiety isn't inherently sinful is a vital first step, but it's not the only piece of the puzzle. To truly challenge and address persistent anxiety, we need to embrace a kingdom mindset.
This means recognizing that healing is not solely a physical or mental pursuit; it's also profoundly spiritual. It's about acknowledging that God desires our wholeness and freedom from chronic anxiety and its wide-reaching effects and stepping into that freedom with faith and patience.
The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize God's intentions for our well-being. I will quote just two.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reminds us,
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
#2 Becoming Aware of Coping Strategies and Strongholds
Another aspect of challenging anxiety is becoming aware of our coping strategies and identifying any strongholds that may be keeping us stuck in a vicious cycle.
Coping strategies can vary widely among individuals, and some may be healthier than others. Some people turn to unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or substance abuse to numb their symptoms, while others may isolate, self-protect, and begin avoiding situations that trigger symptoms.
Strongholds, on the other hand,
according to (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) are anything that set themselves up against the knowledge of God and can become deeply ingrained thought patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that perpetuate anxiety and prevent us from experiencing freedom.
These strongholds often develop over time as our brains form neural associations with particular situations. For example, if we've experienced a traumatic event, our brain may create strong neural connections that lead us to respond to a specific trigger in a particular way as a means to protect ourselves.
Identifying these coping strategies and strongholds is a necessary step in the journey to overcoming anxiety. It allows us to shine a light on the areas where we may be unintentionally feeding our symptoms and sensitivities and hindering our progress toward healing.
#3 Commit to a Daily Practice of Renewal and Rewiring
Now that we've established that anxiety isn't a sin and have embraced a Kingdom mindset, it's time to take action. This begins with a commitment to a daily practice of renewing the mind and rewiring the brain pathways that perpetuate anxiety and all those crazy symptoms. This practice is where the concept of brain retraining comes into play.
Brain retraining is a process that leverages the brain's neuroplasticity, its ability to adapt and change, to create new, healthier thought patterns and responses.
It involves intentional exercises and practices that help us break free from the grip of anxiety. This doesn't mean that we'll never feel anxious or experience symptoms again, but it does mean that we can learn to challenge and significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of anxious episodes by training the nervous system to respond differently.
#4 Learn to Desensitize the Brain to Symptoms and Triggers
The last step is intentionally re-exposing ourselves to symptoms and triggers in a controlled, micro-dosed, safe and oftentimes imaginary environment. By doing this, we help our brain understand that these bodily responses are not life-threatening. This process, of exposure therapy, is a powerful tool to reduce symptoms and sensitivities.
Incorporating exposure therapy into our daily practice helps us build resilience and gradually reduces the brain's response to anxiety triggers. This, combined with the rewiring of thought patterns, creates a comprehensive approach to anxiety and chronic symptom relief.
A Call to Learn More About Brain Retraining
In conclusion, anxiety is not a sin, but rather a natural response that, when dysregulated, can lead to prolonged suffering.
By embracing a Kingdom mindset, becoming aware of coping strategies and strongholds, committing to a daily practice of renewal and rewiring, and learning to desensitize the brain to symptoms and triggers, we can find relief and live life free from limitations.
If you're ready to take the next step toward lasting transformation, I invite you to watch a short training video. In this video, we'll explore a Christ-centered brain retraining method that with your commitment is sure to help you break free from persistent symptoms now and into the future.
Click the link below to access the training and start on your journey toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life:
Together, let's discover the power of faith and science in overcoming anxiety and finding true freedom.
Grace and Peace
Angel
