Change Church Podcast: “I’m Putting Anxiousness Under Arrest”

Host: Pastor Dharius Daniels
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Series: Arresting Anxiousness
Podcast Description: Thank you for subscribing to Change Church's Podcast. Enjoy the messages of Pastor Dharius Daniels. Visit our website at www.lifechange.org.

Introduction to the Series: Arresting Anxiousness

In the final installment of the “Arresting Anxiousness” series, Pastor Dharius Daniels delves deep into overcoming worry and fear through biblical principles. He begins by grounding his teaching in Philippians Chapter 4, emphasizing the Apostle Paul's guidance on handling anxiousness.

Key Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything. But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. ...”

The Prevalence of "Fear Not" in Scripture

Pastor Daniels highlights a compelling observation: God’s most common command throughout Scripture is “Fear not,” appearing in various forms over 300 times. This repetition underscores both God’s character and a fundamental human inclination toward worry.

“What God says more than anything else from Genesis to Revelation is simply this: Fear not.”
[11:45]

He explains that this frequent admonition is not merely to reveal God’s reassuring nature but to address humanity’s inherent tendency towards anxiousness.

Distinguishing Anxiousness from Anxiety

A pivotal part of the discussion differentiates anxiousness from anxiety:

• Anxiousness: An orientation of the soul toward fear, characterized by inner unrest and worry about potential outcomes.
• Anxiety: A mental health condition influenced by factors like brain chemistry, genetics, and life circumstances.

“Anxiousness is a feeling of inner unrest that lets us know it is a weapon wielded by the enemy.”
[11:45]

Pastor Daniels clarifies that while he isn’t professionally equipped to handle clinical anxiety, the biblical concept of anxiousness is about spiritual warfare against fear.

Jesus’ Promise of Soul Rest

Pastor Daniels underscores Jesus’ assurance in Matthew 11:28-29, where Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest for their souls, distinguishing it from mere physical rest.

“He’s gonna give you rest for your soul. If you want rest for your body, go to bed. But if you want rest for your soul, come to me.”
[11:45]

This distinction emphasizes that true peace comes from a relationship with Christ, independent of external circumstances.

Paul's Experience in Prison: A Testament to Peace

Using the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment in Rome as a real-life example, Pastor Daniels illustrates how Paul maintained peace despite severe external hardships.

“When I wrote that letter, I was in prison in Rome. So I was in a prison, but I didn't let the prison influence me.”
[11:45]

Paul’s ability to experience “the peace of God that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) while incarcerated serves as a powerful testimony to the safeguarding power of divine peace.

The Military Metaphor: Peace as a Defender

To visualize the protection the peace of God provides, Pastor Daniels engages the congregation in a physical demonstration:

“The Greek word here for guard is a word that speaks to a military garrison. ... Peace is guarding your heart and your mind.”
[11:45]

By having members form a protective circle around a designated individual, he illustrates how God’s peace acts as a barrier against the attacks of the enemy, preventing anxiousness from intruding.

Spiritual Disciplines: Rejoicing and Gratitude

Pastor Daniels identifies key spiritual disciplines from Philippians that believers can practice to combat anxiousness:

1. Rejoice: Maintaining a heart of joy and intentional appreciation.
2. Prayer and Petition: Presenting requests to God with thanksgiving.

“Paul says, rejoice. And again I say, rejoice.”
[11:45]

He explains that these disciplines not only foster gratitude but also magnify God’s presence and perspective, thereby diminishing the power of anxious thoughts.

Interpretation vs. Reality

A critical takeaway is the distinction between events and their interpretations. Anxiousness often stems not from the events themselves but from the meanings we assign to them.

“Anxiousness is coming not from the event. Your anxiousness is coming from the conclusions you're drawing, the assumptions you're making about what the event means.”
[11:45]

Pastor Daniels encourages listeners to align their interpretations with biblical truths rather than cultural or personal fears.

The Power of God’s Peace

Reiterating the transformative nature of God’s peace, Pastor Daniels emphasizes that this peace:

• Transcends Understanding: Beyond logical reasoning or situational calmness.
• Guards Hearts and Minds: Acts as a spiritual defense mechanism.
• Is Rooted in Relationship: Dependent on a personal connection with Christ, not on external conditions.

“My peace isn't tied to my place. But my peace is tied to a person. And that person is the prince of peace.”
[11:45]

Conclusion: Embracing Divine Peace Over Anxiousness

In wrapping up the session, Pastor Daniels reaffirms the importance of spiritual disciplines and a steadfast relationship with God in overcoming anxiousness. He assures listeners that by applying these biblical principles, they can experience a peace that not only calms their fears but also serves as a testimony to others.

“You are too blessed. You are way too blessed to be this anxious.”
[11:45]

He leaves the congregation with a call to intentional praise and gratitude, reinforcing that these practices invite God’s presence and protect against the onslaught of anxiousness.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• “Fear not. I love it. Some iteration or some variation of this instruction and exhortation is found over 300 times in the Bible.”
  [11:45]

• “Anxiousness is a feeling of inner unrest which lets us know it is a weapon that is wielded by the enemy.”
  [11:45]

• “I was in a prison, but I didn't let the prison influence me.”
  [11:45]

• “Peace is guarding your heart and your mind.”
  [11:45]

• “Paul says, rejoice. And again I say, rejoice.”
  [11:45]

• “My peace isn't tied to my place. But my peace is tied to a person.”
  [11:45]

• “You are too blessed. You are way too blessed to be this anxious.”
  [11:45]

Final Thoughts

Pastor Dharius Daniels delivers a profound message on combating anxiousness through biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, and an unwavering relationship with God. By examining Paul's experience and the Apostle’s letters, listeners are equipped with practical and spiritual tools to place their anxiousness "under arrest" and embrace the peace that only God can provide.

For more inspiring messages and teachings, visit www.lifechange.org.