Where Anxiety Comes From

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
–Matthew 6:20–21

Why do we get anxious? God’s Word gives several reasons for anxiety in our lives.

1. Misguided perspective. When we build our lives around the temporal instead of the eternal, we become fearful of losing what we prize the most. That’s why Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). Whatever you value, that’s where your heart is going to be—and that’s what you’re going to worry about.
2. Unconfessed sin. When we’re living in disobedience to God, we may feel as if the sword of Damocles is hanging over our heads as we wait for His discipline. But 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
3. Satanic attack. When I was younger, I was plagued by sudden fears. For example, I’d be working on a sermon when a thought would come into my mind about my health or my children. I’d be so paralyzed with worry that I couldn’t work on my sermon any longer. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. What is the source of these sudden worries?

I believe they come from a satanic attack. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Satan wants to steal your joy and destroy your peace, and one way he does this is through anxiety. But remember how Jesus concluded this verse: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” One of the blessings available to us as Christians is the supernatural peace of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 3:15, Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” The word translated as “rule” means to act as an umpire. When a challenging situation comes into your life, you can let fear decide that your problem is insurmountable, unending, or devastating—or you can let Christ have the final say and experience His peace.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Moving from Anxiety to Peace,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.