Don’t let political anxiety handicap you

If you were to ask me as a pastor what I see people spiritually struggle with most, you might expect me to say lust, alcoholism, or drugs.

While those issues are serious, they currently do not compare to what I’ve seen infect many people, not just in my church, but in North Idaho, and across the United States. The number one problem I face as a pastor is what I call, “political anxiety.”

What is political anxiety? It occurs when individuals—many of whom are professing believers— slowly become addicted to the ongoing commentary of national, local, and social media outlets. It usually starts out innocently. One may watch the news after dinner. But before long, the network news is on 24/7. Eventually, hours are spent on comment sections and social media groups debating, critiquing, and lamenting. Nights become wasted at the computer or on the phone, spiraling down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos. Sound like you? If so, you’re not alone.

It’s not that any of these activities are in themselves bad. But I’ve seen too many normal, otherwise functional, Christians become dysfunctional as a result of the dread and helplessness they feel from these actions.

I’ve had Bible studies start with literal sobbing. I’ve spent weeks counseling people. It all goes back to the same problem: the sense of anger, disgust, and dismay that they feel towards others and “the world” is so great it’s handicapped their relationships, their health, and their mental well-being.

Let me share with you some of the tips I share with these people:

No, the world is not worse. I know it seems like it, but we tend to look at the past with rose-colored glassed. King Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecc. 1:9) The hardships we face today have been faced before. A quick study of Ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, or even the American 1930s would show that hard times are nothing new. America has had bad Presidents in its past and will have bad Presidents in its future. Wars will be fought, won, and lost. Thus is life. The world in September 2021 is nothing special.

Don’t trust the internet. It’s easy to seem smarter than you really are online. I know a certain man who is a seminary dropout and has been fired from past ministry positions for cause. Yet, he has a Facebook following of hundreds of people who look to him for spiritual guidance. He (rightly so) is not trusted to pastor God’s people, but hoards online trust him and others like him to be their pastor. No wonder God’s flock is in such poor shape! They’ve allowed themselves to be led by unfit shepherds. The truly brilliant people are busy writing books, leading universities, and affecting change. They’re not posting YouTube videos or updating Facebook groups. Stop following them. (Matt. 9:36; John 10:14)

Finally, instead of just avoiding political media, pursue Christ! Make a commitment each day to pray for as long as you watch the news. Seems like too long to pray? Then it’s too long to watch the news! Avoid churches that have stopped teaching the Bible in exchange for topical “sermons” on current events. These pastors are plying for your approval and seeking to increase their own brand by teaching what “tickles the ears” instead of what God commanded. Get back in church. Read your Bible (not just Revelation). Join a Bible study. Pray. (I Thess. 5:16-18; 2 Tim 4:2)

As Jesus was preparing to be crucified, he encouraged His followers to stand tough in hard times. He told them, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.” What an encouragement to know that in Christ every wrong will be punished, and every right rewarded. God knows exactly what is happening in this world and it’s a part of His plan. His please for you is the same as His plea to His disciples, “Follow Me.”

Pastor Stephen Angliss ministers at Bayview Bible Church.