Counseling Anxiety and Fear

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining biblical anxiety and fear, their manifestations, and strategies for response based on the lecture transcript.

Merimnao

The Greek word for anxiety which can be translated as anxious, care, concern, and most often as worry.

Anxiety (Biblical Definition)

To be troubled with cares.

Godly Concern

A righteous form of care or love for others, such as Timothy's genuine concern for the welfare of others mentioned in Philippians 2:20-21.

Fear

A sense of anxious dread or reverence in response to things real or imagined.

True and Right Fear (Bunyan)

According to John Bunyan, this is caused by saving convictions for sin, drives the soul to lay fast hold of Christ, and continues in a great reverence of God.

Manifestations of Anxiety in the Inner Man

Inward troubles such as a heavy heart according to Proverbs 12:25, distracted thoughts, agitation, and unrest.

Manifestations of Anxiety in the Outer Man

Physiological responses including sweating, shortness of breath, trembling, restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Fear of Man

The factor driving anxiety where one seeks the approval of people rather than making it their ambition to please God.

Idolatry (Anxiety Factor)

The inordinate pursuit of temporal pleasures or treasures which leads to fear and griping when those things are threatened.

Trusting in Self

A key factor of anxiety involving leaning on one's own understanding rather than acknowledging God (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Perfect Peace

The state promised in Isaiah 26:3-4 for those whose minds are stayed on God because they trust in Him as an everlasting rock.

"Even If" vs. "What If"

A strategy of replacing the irrational fears of an uncertain future with the assurance that if the worst happens, God's grace is sufficient and He will be there.

Right Praying

A biblical strategy from Philippians 4:6 which involves taking everything to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.

Right Thinking

The practice of focusing the mind on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Right Acting

The progression from right praying and thinking to practicing righteous behaviors as commanded in Philippians 4:9.