As soon as his mother dressed the little André Lucas, she placed him in a cradle and gave him the customary good-night kiss and switched the light off. It did not take long before she heard the cry of her little son. When she turned on the light, the child stopped crying and began to smile, moving his hands and legs as a token of thanksgiving. “Oh! you do not want to sleep; but it is already time to sleep. It is too late to be playing around,” the mother whispered kindly, and with a “click” again the room was covered with darkness. This time André not only cried, but was sighing and screaming in desperation, which surprised and worried his mother.
The experience of that mother told her that that particular crying was not normal. Something strange was happening. After all, the behavior of this child was always sweet and passive; he never caused a problem when had to go to sleep. “Could it be that the safety-pin was opened and it was pricking him?” she wondered. After some inspection in the dark she gave up the idea of that possibility. She tried to comfort the baby, but the more she hugged him, the more he cried in desperation. Suddenly she switched on the light, and the noise ceased. His face was still wet from the tears, but there he was again, smiling at his mother.
That cry was not the cry of a spoiled child, oh no. André Lucas developed a dread for darkness. Since that time the mother had to leave the light on until he went to sleep.
Even the founders of modern psychoanalysis fail to consistently explain the origin of irrational fears or phobias. How can the existence of this phenomenon be explained in a newborn baby? Facts make us believe that men are born with this fear, that is to say that we inherited a “sinful parcel” in which fear is already included. When the Austrian psychiatrist, Sigmund Freud, declared that “fear or any other psychological disorder is caused by unconscious desires,” he did not suspect that his theory was indirectly in harmony with the Bible.
Fear was totally unknown to man in his pure and holy state. Fear is not found among God’s attributes, and therefore those that were first created in His image did not possess this negative trait. In the Garden of Eden our first parents enjoyed full freedom and security. They were granted everything conducive to their comfort and happiness. They were conscientiously thankful for the creative and maintaining power of God, and lived in perfect harmony with Him and all other of His creatures.
The change of this condition was caused through the fall, and sin was introduced into their holy and happy condition, and brought this element—fear—into the bosom of mankind. The first symptom of fear is recorded in the holy writ: “And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid.” Genesis 3:9, 10. That melodious and tender voice of a Father who cared for the well-being of His children, a voice which had always been loved and welcomed, now was feared. The voice was the same as before, distinct and in the same tone. It was uttered by the same Being, the unchangeable Sovereign. However, now that voice seemed to be threatening. Why? Because man had transgressed God’s command. His conscience was accusing him of betrayal and disloyalty toward his loving Father. God was the same as before. The change occurred in Adam and Eve, not in God. Defiled by sin they had to suffer the consequences of the symptoms of fear. Besides facing the constant threatening of the dangerous serpent, to bruise their heel, they now had to miserably witness day by day a new surprising consequence of disobedience.
They began to see the withering of the leaves; their being cast out from their pleasant dwelling; the death of their beloved son, Abel, killed by his own cruel brother. The loving and sweet animals that had received their names from Adam now became a threat to them. Creation itself, which had always flourished in harmony with man, now was considered as an enemy. “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea.” Genesis 9:2. What evil would the future bring them? Could they live in peace and happiness with such fear and anxiety? Certainly not, especially because they had known God’s original way of life.
Mistrust and suspicion took place of peace and harmony. Love toward the Sovereign of the Universe ceased. Mankind began to see God through a distorted prism. His justice and mercy— the eternal foundation of His throne—were misrepresented. The interrelationship between the created being and his Creator ceased to exist.
No era in history has been so dominated by hope, anxiety and fear as the twentieth century. While the extraordinary progress of scientific discoveries has brought new inventions, mankind has, on the other hand, been overtaken by anxiety and fear about the correct use of all these inventions. To the surprise and dread of many, a large portion of the useful instruments invented have been used against man itself, in massive destruction. In both world wars, thousands of lives were lost through these inventions. To complete the picture, that which war did not exterminate was destroyed by pestilence, sickness, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and so on. The increase of metropolitan crimes, the constant strikes and mutinies, the deterioration of the marriage institution, divorce and remarriage, the broken-up families, the inability of science to check the increase in cases of cancer, AIDS, and the Ebola virus, has led modern society to the climax of panic. Never before have there existed so many combined factors to cause constant dread and fear.
And because we live under such worry and anxiety, we also suffer the syndrome of this century: Stress. For a long time I thought that this was the disease of the rich. Today, I understand that this is a general evil. Even the children are affected. In order to prove that this is a fact—that people live in a state of stress—it is enough to open our eyes before the mirror. We will notice it in our own countenance. Day by day we face moveable explosives. We meet people whose nerves are just about to explode at any moment. This happens because nobody trusts anybody; we are scared of our own shadow.
We define stress as a condition of body and mind that takes place as an answer to the present or anticipated difficulties of life. Generally, people experience the consequences of the following main factors:
a) Biological: These affect the physical condition, including sicknesses and physical pressures.
b) Environmental circumstances: These are forces existing in man’s environment, such as noise, obstruction, poverty and natural disasters.
c) Conditions of life: In these are included shocking incidents, such as the death of a close friend; hostility at work or at home.
d) Wrong habits: Things that can drag you into stress include vices such as smoking, drinking, and errors in diet.
e) Mental activities: Immoderate activity of the mind, where the constant concentration of the brain is demanded.
Our physical and mental condition and even our own behavior are regulated by hormones. These are chemical substances produced by special glands, among them the suprarenal gland. When we are scared by someone or are frightened or shocked, the suprarenal gland “pours” into the bloodstream an abnormal quantity of adrenalin. The throbbing of the heart increases immediately and the blood pressure goes up. At first, this seems to produce immediate energy, but if prolonged, it may bring about extreme exhaustion. The muscles become tense, followed by mental depression and inability to concentrate the thoughts. This occurs because there is an excessive expenditure of energy. The immune system is also affected.
Studies show that people who live in continual expectation or anxiety have weakened nerves and are more susceptible to any kind of disease. In this condition ulcers may develop in the stomach, or a person may be struck with colitis or inflammation of the intestines. Heart attack, and even some kinds of cancer are related evils. There is reason why many physicians and scientists advocate the idea that the majority of diseases originate in the mind. First comes fear, then worries, anxieties, and finally sickness and death.
If we are born in an environment where fear, anxiety, and dread prevail (many expectant mothers even dread the thought of childbirth while the impressionable babe is developing in their womb), how can we expect that a mortal being can rise above this syndrome?
No doubt that many good brethren, devoted believers, are unable to answer this question, since they themselves to a greater or lesser extent are involved in these problems.
Many times when Satan cannot reach our minds to inculcate strange doctrines he uses other subtleties. Through unnecessary worries he steals our energies. He knows how to manipulate our emotions so effectively that he is able to lead us to a condition below the worms, making human rags out of us. Another cause of concern of many—leading to desperation—is the deception that we can gain perfection or sanctification by our own selves.
In the greatest sermon delivered about two thousand years ago, Christ warned His followers not to fall into the snare of anxiety. At no other time do His words sound more relevant than our very own days: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. . . . And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?” Luke 12:22–25. No, there is not a single person who can add an extra day to his own life, or solve his problems, by worrying about them. On the contrary, by wearing out our energies, we shorten our lives, or at least we become less capable to overrule any difficulty.
When I considered for the first time the divine command: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), the impact on my mind was so great that I almost fell into a spiritual coma. For a long time I could find no explanation which could bring solace and joy to my discouraged soul. But the cause of all this discouragement was only one: self-righteousness. In the depth of my soul I was trying to reach heaven “with my own two legs.” The disappointment of those who wish to reach heaven through their own merits is too great, because they are attempting an impossibility. In agony they exclaim: “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” John 6:28.
Here are some positive steps to fight against fear, depression or stress:
1) Live a pure and simple life.
How many have sacrificed their health or spent their whole lives running after riches! Even if they succeeded in their pursuit, what did they gain? That “which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Though the apostle Paul did not possess much in material goods, he was happy. The pure and holy life of this servant of God was not spoiled by evil habits or degrading passions. He lived a frugal life and put into practice the standard which you and I can efficiently apply. He had learned “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11. Whether he had little or much, was free or in bonds, he always rejoiced in the Lord. He kept his sentiments hidden in Jesus Christ. Therefore he was always thinking on “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report.” Philippians 4:8.
2) Look for a better environment for living and working.
As we look for a place to establish our home, it is important to know that our choice will affect our destiny here and in the hereafter. We should heed the serious signal of warning given through the evil experience of Lot. We should not consider only the material advantages, for religious and moral influences are the ones that will last for eternity. We cannot afford to expose ourselves and our families to danger.
“Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be seen, where the sights and sounds frequently suggest thoughts of evil, where turmoil and confusion bring weariness and disquietude, go where you can look upon the works of God. Find rest of spirit in the beauty and quietude and peace of nature. Let the eye rest on the green fields, the groves, and the hills. Look up to the blue sky, unobscured by the city’s dust and smoke, and breathe the invigorating air of heaven.” 1
As far as the environment or kind of occupation, I would say that even eight hours work is already wearisome. But to occupy the same amount of time in a job which we do not like may make us insane. As far as possible we should do the work which we enjoy, for in so doing we will become more useful and productive, and we will consider ourselves accomplished. The feeling of self-accomplishment is a balm on the wounds of the daily labor. It is the power that impels us to carry out the tasks of tomorrow. I would say that “if you do what you do not like, try to like what you do.”
Many refuse to prepare a daily activities program, thinking that this would do away with their freedom of action; that they would become a slave of orders (or disorders). However, it is much easier for disorder to fabricate a neurasthenic person than one who lives within a set program. I speak of my own experience. For instance, when I do not plan the activities of the day, or I leave things to happen as they may, in the evening I have an impression that during that day I accomplished nothing. This sensation of a “vacuum” of duties not fulfilled drains away our energies.
When we organize ourselves and make our daily program, specifying certain times for each activity, we may accomplish much with great efficiency and less wearing out of our energies, and we reach our targets. We cannot live without goals. As we accomplish our goals, we are encouraged to advance further.
Even in the common home duties (those considered of “less importance” and contributing to a great extent to the stress of the housewife) each member of the family should follow a set program, all contributing to harmony of action. If the father, together with his children, were trained at least to place each object in its proper place, the home would have a pleasant aspect, and half of the work of the mother would be spared.
The monthly budget should also be a part of this program. One of the greatest reasons for panic—within and without the home—is debt. You can see people who are not worried about debts, who can sleep peacefully even when the bills are multiplying daily. It is true that “the wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.” Psalm 37:21. But if the debts do not scare the debtor, it surely steals the peace of the creditor. After all, those who are following the footsteps of the great Master will never make financial commitments which they are unable to honor. Live in peace with God, with men and the creditors. Do not incur debts!
Since sin made a division between man and God, He sought to reveal Himself to man in such a way that the finite created being could not reject the Creator. At each covenant made with man, God introduced Himself saying, “Fear not.” This message of peace was repeated to Abraham and to future generations. Jesus came to reveal that the Father also declared, “Let not your heart be troubled.” There should be no reason for anxieties, fear of disturbances. Jesus showed that there was only one thing necessary to obtain peace and quietness: Faith. “Ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1.
Faith in God as our Father, and in Jesus Christ as our eldest Brother and also our personal Saviour, is all that we need to banish fear from our souls. We are not orphans. We have as our Father the Sovereign of the universe, and as our Brother, Friend and Advocate, He who lived on this earth and is at present interceding for us in the heavenly sanctuary. Yes, the power that controls the worlds and the galaxies are at our command. When we realize the presence of such power at our side, we will exclaim as David did: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.... Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” Psalm 23:1, 4.
Dear brethren and sisters, very soon we, too, shall cross the “valley of the shadow of death.” Although we have to go through this short time of anguish, we should not despair, unless Christ is not dwelling in our hearts and we are not perfected in love. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” 1 John 4:18. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. Yes, He that numbers even the hairs of our heads and knows us by name, will not fail us to succor us in times of great trial and necessity. We can hear Him saying: “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. . . . Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west.” Isaiah 43:1, 2, 5.