On the Fear of the Unknown

Anxiety can be debilitating. 

For anyone who struggles with anxiety and worry, you understand this. Many others experience anxiety and worry at a lesser level, but it is nonetheless still a very present thing. 

For those of us believers who experience anxiety, we know the Bible verses. 

Believe me, we know them. 

“Cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“Do not worry about anything.” (Philippians 4:6)

“Do not worry…Consider the birds of the sky…aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:25ff)

Here’s the thing. I love these Bible verses. I have them written down in various places. I listen to worship songs that include these phrases and verses. I recite them to myself in moments of increased anxiety. 

But sometimes, they don’t help. Or, they don’t help in the way that I need them to. 

Sometimes, the worry overcomes you. Sometimes, the anxiety creeps up into your lungs and you feel like you can’t breathe, let alone think. 

Sometimes, the fear of the unknown is what really affects you. The fancy scientific word for this is xenophobia. The fear of the unknown. 

When a family member is in the hospital, and there are a lot of unknowns or unanswered questions, you might worry. You might feel anxious. 

That’s ok. 

Because what I’ve learned is this: even if I don’t find comfort in those Bible verses at that moment, their truth still stands firm. The love of God still stands firm. 

So even when those Bible verses about not worrying can’t seem to help me in those moments of worry and anxiety, there is another verse I remember. 

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

God is an unchanging God. His word is withstanding. His love is everlasting. 

Sometimes, when the Bible verses aren’t helping in the way that you want or need them to, it’s ok. It’s ok, because they are still true. It’s ok, because God is still our comfort in times of need. 

“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7)

The Lord knows my anxious heart, and he knows best how to comfort me. He knows me because he created me. He knows me because he loves me, because he loves me, because he loves me, because that’s just who he is. 

Sometimes, that’s all I need to be reminded of. God knows my heart - all the worries, the anxieties, the dreams, the hopes, the desires, the complexities. God knows my heart, and he’s always there with open arms.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12)