Anxiety and Distress

Synopsis     2Sam 13:31-14:2     12/25/2018 

King David was distraught. For a report had come to him that Absalom had killed all of the royal sons. But Jonadab convinced David there was an error. He recognized that Absalom’s intention was to get justice for Tamar. Accordingly, he recognized that Absalom had only killed Amnon. And Jonadab’s interpretation proved to be true. Even so, David lamented Amnon’s death.  

For his part, Absalom fled to Geshur after murdering Amnon. And he stayed there under the protection of Talmai, king of Geshur, for three years. 

Back in Jerusalem, Joab had concluded that Absalom’s exile had gone on long enough. And so he contrived a plan to reconcile Absalom with King David.  

David Feared The Worst 

David had questions. He felt unsure. And he wondered why Absalom wanted him to come to a feast in the first place. Additionally, he felt unclear on why Absalom should want his brothers to attend a feast. So, when the erroneous news came that Absalom had killed all of the royal sons, the report initially seemed plausible to him.  

In that moment, David was filled with grief and anxiety. In a single moment, the most important part of his plan to build a dynasty was apparently destroyed. And his hopes and dreams began to fade before his eyes. Very likely, he also wondered if this was the beginning of a coup – if Absalom would be coming against him.  

Of course, none of these feared things turned-out to be true.  

In fact, Absalom had only killed Amnon in order to get justice for his sister.  

Yes, this was terrible in its own right. But it wasn’t anything like the anxious thoughts that raced through David’s mind.

Anxiety and Distress 

So, what’s the problem with anxiety and distress?  

The problem with anxiety is that it prevents me from thinking straight. Think of it this way; anxiety is the experience of feeling afraid when the thing feared is not actually present.  

It’s the dark side of fantasy. It’s like being trapped in a realistic dream where the worst possible thing always happens. And It can be debilitating. Caught in this pattern of thinking, I experience the disvalue of my fear as if the feared outcome were actually happening. Even though very little may have changed in my physical circumstances, I live through the stress. Accordingly, in anxious moments, I feel distracted. And I’m much less effective.  

The answer to this is to come back to reality. So, if I return my attention to what’s actually happening right in front of me, then I have the freedom to deal with what is – rather than the great “what if” of what might be.    

Of course, the ultimate reality is that God has my back. So, I don’t have to worry because I know that God is working through whatever circumstances I am experiencing. And, He always remains unsurprised. And, He never fails.  

All of this gives me the freedom to meet the potential of my present moment – whatever challenge it may present – and turn it into the thing I always, actually wanted.  

“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help  you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10