I, too, have anxiety.
Being that my anxiety is probably genetic or, at least, a learned behavior, it's been there my whole life, but I actually came face-to-face with it only a few years ago. To be more specific, I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. German Existentialist philosopher Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) might say that we all suffer from a generalized anxiety disorder.
In Heidegger's seminal book, Being and Time, he differentiates between "fear" and "anxiety." Fear is always fear of something threatening, some particular in the world. Let's say that I have a fear of hunger. Fear has an object, and when that object is removed then I am no longer fearful. Someone places a hamburger in my hand, and I am no longer fearful for a time.
Anxiety is different. If fear is fearful of something particular and determinate (e.g., hunger), then anxiety is anxious about nothing in particular and is indeterminate. If fear is directed towards some distinct object, or particular, then anxiety is anxious about our being-in-the-world, or, in other words, our everyday, world-immersion existence. No darkness, despair or night sweats needed. For Heidegger, such anxiety can occur anywhere at anytime, plague us with a feeling of meaninglessness, and yet be "nothing and nowhere."
What does Heidegger's gloomy message and anxiety have to do with Advent?
For Heidegger, anxiety makes us self-aware and this self-awareness leads to our freedom from other persons and things. It is a freedom to become and think for myself.
As followers of Jesus, our reference point is much different.
The Scriptures speak to us: "Be anxious for nothing"
"Be anxious for nothing."
Imagine. "Be anxious for nothing."
And then the Scriptures go on to tell us how: "[B]ut in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, NASB).
We all know in this most joyous season of the year, it's also a trying one. Loneliness, loss, anxiety and fear all come unexpectedly rushing to the surface. Those we love and no longer see because of death, divorce or estrangement; what we have; what we don't have; what we are losing: it all comes up in this season without warning. Martin Heidegger might say that his philosophy is correct...
...but Advent invites us to rest and relax in the simple, quiet peace of God, which we'll never understand. Advent is here to remind us of what is at the center. Advent urges us to take a break from all of our plans, worries and lists in order to prepare a place for the coming of Jesus and the coming of God's peaceable and peaceful kingdom. And so, when we pray, "Come, Lord Jesus," we pray for the peace that only he can bring.
In Heidegger's seminal book, Being and Time, he differentiates between "fear" and "anxiety." Fear is always fear of something threatening, some particular in the world. Let's say that I have a fear of hunger. Fear has an object, and when that object is removed then I am no longer fearful. Someone places a hamburger in my hand, and I am no longer fearful for a time.
Anxiety is different. If fear is fearful of something particular and determinate (e.g., hunger), then anxiety is anxious about nothing in particular and is indeterminate. If fear is directed towards some distinct object, or particular, then anxiety is anxious about our being-in-the-world, or, in other words, our everyday, world-immersion existence. No darkness, despair or night sweats needed. For Heidegger, such anxiety can occur anywhere at anytime, plague us with a feeling of meaninglessness, and yet be "nothing and nowhere."
What does Heidegger's gloomy message and anxiety have to do with Advent?
For Heidegger, anxiety makes us self-aware and this self-awareness leads to our freedom from other persons and things. It is a freedom to become and think for myself.
As followers of Jesus, our reference point is much different.
The Scriptures speak to us: "Be anxious for nothing"
"Be anxious for nothing."
Imagine. "Be anxious for nothing."
And then the Scriptures go on to tell us how: "[B]ut in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, NASB).
We all know in this most joyous season of the year, it's also a trying one. Loneliness, loss, anxiety and fear all come unexpectedly rushing to the surface. Those we love and no longer see because of death, divorce or estrangement; what we have; what we don't have; what we are losing: it all comes up in this season without warning. Martin Heidegger might say that his philosophy is correct...
...but Advent invites us to rest and relax in the simple, quiet peace of God, which we'll never understand. Advent is here to remind us of what is at the center. Advent urges us to take a break from all of our plans, worries and lists in order to prepare a place for the coming of Jesus and the coming of God's peaceable and peaceful kingdom. And so, when we pray, "Come, Lord Jesus," we pray for the peace that only he can bring.
Well said. I too have anxiety and worry most of all for my children, that they are foremost healthy and happy. I want them not to be anxious for anything, and especially that they know Jesus, find true love, and have a good job so as not to lack for money as that can cause great stress and anxiety. As a Mother, I worry a lot, more now than ever because they're on their own. They are outside my safety net. When they have their own children, only then will they understand this fear we parents have. Yes, Jesus says Fear Not and I try. I must put my trust in Him that they will ask for and take His guidance, I pray every day and especially during this Advent season to be a good Mom and I will continue to pray for my children that I love so much. Thank you God for sending us your Son, Jesus in whom we can rest our fears. I love you son!
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