Dealing With Anxiety - Part 1 of 7

Dealing With Anxiety
Written By Bryan Hurlbutt
Dealing with Anxiety

Managing Anxious Thoughts

In our modern, fast-paced, and technologically driven culture, anxiety has become so prevalent that it has almost become the norm. Constant exposure to distressing information and events contributes to this widespread anxiety. This 7-part series is a deep dive into dealing with anxiety, providing guidance on addressing it from a biblical perspective.

Key Insights from this Week’s Video:

  • Anxiety's Prevalence: Anxiety is increasing in our rapidly changing world, where information overload and constant stressors are commonplace.

    Unwanted Thoughts: There is a strong connection between anxiety and unwanted thoughts, both of which can often end up dominating our mental lives.

    Dismissing Unnecessary Thoughts: Not every thought that enters the mind deserves attention, some are simply fear inducing. Learning to dismiss certain thoughts is essential to prevent anxiety from taking hold.

  • "Purple Dooring" Thoughts: Acknowledging unwanted thoughts without fixating on them, much like noticing a purple door and moving on without dwelling on it. It's just a door, it's just purple, and you can continue with your day.

  • Humility & Trust: Anxiety often stems from a form of pride, rooted in self-consuming fears, regrets, apprehensions, and insecurities about oneself and one's situation. Humility helps in acknowledging the inability to handle every situation alone, fostering trust in God’s care and affection to us.

  • Casting Anxieties: Recognizing our limitations and casting (entrusting) out our thoughts, concerns, and weights on God.

  • Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Thought for the Week - Dealing with Anxiety Part 1 of 7
Pastor Bryan Hurlbutt's devotional series on anxiety.

Reflective Questions:

  1. Do you feel unwanted thoughts are dominating your mental space or contributing to anxieties?

  2. How does your perspective on self-reliance and humility influence your approach to handling anxiety?

  3. Do you believe God longs for our burdens to be light through our reliance on him?

Additional Resources

Bryan Hurlbutt

After years of preparation and seeking the Lord’s direction, Bryan moved to Utah in 2004 for the sole purpose of founding Lifeline Community. Born and raised in upstate New York, Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in religious education from Davis College in Johnson City, New York, and his master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. His doctorate of ministry from Talbot School of Theology focused on how worldview, philosophy, and culture relate to the local church, which culminated in the release of his first book, Tasty Jesus: Liberating Christ from the Power of our Predilections, published by Wipf and Stock. A true scholar and pastor at heart, Bryan longs to merge the life of the mind with life in the Spirit. His primary passion in ministry is discipleship, as evidenced by the various ministries at Lifeline, with the intended result that Lifeline be the kind of church that no one ever outgrows. Bryan is married to Jennifer and they have three daughters. He is an avid runner, a devout Syracuse Orange fan, and his favorite hobby is discussing world views and theology at ANY time in ANY place.

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