The real power to overcome anxiety is this—that surely God will take care of our practical questions and needs, in the way He sees fit in His wisdom, given that He has already given us the life of His Son.

The introspective Christian knows that there is almost always a question behind our question. Further, that question behind our question is almost always a theological one. It’s a question about what we believe masquerading as a practical question. Here’s how that works:

We might have some anxious questions about our job outlook in the new year. The front of mind question is very practical: “Will I have a job this year?” But the question behind the question is theological in nature: Can I really trust God to provide for my needs?

Another example: The front of mind, practical question is this: “Am I ever going to find someone I love and get married?” The question behind the question might be something like, “Is my friendship with Jesus really going to be enough for me to be joyful and satisfied?”

This doesn’t invalidate the front of mind questions. Those are practical questions that need to be answered. But it does help us to see the condition of our hearts – to think about what misshapen beliefs that are really driving our questions and anxiety about the future.

In light of this, then, is there something at the heart level that might be primarily driving our anxiety? Consider with me the great truth found in Romans 8:

What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? (Rom. 8:31-32).

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