finding peace in anxious times

Marolin Watson offers an insight into how Gen Z can do this

Marolin Watson is an administrative volunteer with the CMF Field Team

If you are part of the Zoomer-Generation (Gen-Z) struggling with anxiety and low mood, you’re in good company. It may sometimes feel as if the designation ‘Z’ is somehow prophetic, and there is no doubt that you have reached adulthood at a time when the world faces many challenges that threaten the good life that we in the West have come to take for granted and view as our right.

You will be well aware of the issues — global warming (a present reality, not some future threat), political instability, an increase in violent crime, the rising potential for a global war on democracy, malicious hackers destabilising a civilization that depends heavily on IT, and mass migration. You can probably add to this list concerns of your own, like the cost of living, job security, and whether you will ever be able to afford your own home.

How can you possibly find peace in the midst of so many real and present threats, never mind those that may develop in your lifetime?

First, by remembering to ‘count your blessings’. Yes, it’s an old-fashioned concept, but it really works. Some historical perspective will help you to realise just how lucky (or blessed, if you prefer) you are. You’ve probably never known a day’s hunger that you didn’t choose. That’s not the case for many people alive today and for most people in the past. You’ve never suffered from toothache (for example) that couldn’t be cured by a visit to the dentist.

That’s not the case for many people alive today and for nearly everyone who lived before the relatively recent discovery of effective anaesthesia and antibiotics. You survived childhood illnesses that would have killed you a few generations ago, and still kill many children today. You don’t lie awake at night (at least I hope you don’t!) worrying that your home will be invaded by terrorists, criminal gangs or guerillas, but many people today do live like that and many more have done so in the past. So I think you will agree that you still have a lot to be thankful for.

But what about the future? Jesus has something to say about that. Even though the Bible warns us that terrible times will precede his return, he encourages his followers not to live in fear in that famous passage in Matthew 6 headed (by the NIV) ‘Do not worry’. It concludes: ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’ (Matthew 6:34) This was just as true in his time as it is in ours. And the reason we are not to worry is because our loving Father knows what we need and has promised to provide it. That doesn’t mean we will not suffer, but the promise is that we will not suffer more than he gives us grace to endure,[1] and that he is working all things together for your good,[2] though you won’t always see it.

It’s important to realise (again the historical perspective) that you have been born into what might prove to be the tail end of the most prosperous, fair, and benevolent civilization that has ever existed. (Remember this is relative, not absolute, and you will think of many instances where we have not been fair or benevolent.) The good things that we continue to enjoy are extremely rare historically and we should therefore not regard them as some kind of inalienable right, but rather hold them lightly and with thanksgiving, doing what good we can for those less privileged through accident of birth.

There are other steps you can take to reduce anxiety and depression. If watching the news before you go to bed keeps you awake at night, read something uplifting instead. It doesn’t have to be spiritual, but it should be light and preferably on paper, not on a screen.

Give yourself ten or fifteen minutes at the beginning of each day — before you switch on your phone or laptop — to centre yourself in God and his purposes. Aim to read the Bible cover to cover over the course of the year, alternating between the Old and New Testament so as to get God’s perspective. See him acting in and through history and take comfort in his sovereignty, even if you don’t understand it, and even if it raises uncomfortable questions. Save them for when you stand before him in glory. He’ll understand.

Pray for the gift of self-discipline — it will stand you in good stead in every area of your life and reduce the anxiety and self-loathing caused by poor organisation and chaotic living. Cultivate Christian friendships even if you temporarily can’t find a church where you feel at home.

Use the gift of self-discipline to limit the time you spend on social media and remember to bring discernment and a scientific attitude to everything you read or hear. Arm yourself against misinformation and unconscious bias by the ‘renewing of your mind’ as Paul recommends in Romans 12:2, and by recognising that science is your friend whenever it represents the search for truth.

Above all, remind yourself constantly of the hope you have in Christ and share that hope with others whenever you have the opportunity.

‘Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.’ Philippians 4:4,6-8