When social anxiety eats you up, do not be afraid to interact with God
Psalm 56:3-4:
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Do you often find yourself trapped in the grip of social anxiety, feeling like a bystander in your own life? The weight of self-consciousness can be overwhelming. It causes your heart to race and your palms to sweat at the mere thought of social interactions.
The discomfort as you walk into a crowded room, eyes upon you, an invisible spotlight exposing every perceived flaw—the struggle is real. And it pushes you to seek solace in the safety of solitude.
As social anxiety eats you up, the more it pushes you to be alone.
But aside from this fear, you grapple with the awareness that, as a Christian, you are not fully engaging in the community as you should.
Scripture emphasizes the importance of communal bonds. It reminds you that as social creatures, you are designed to interact with others.
In Genesis 2:18, the Bible declares, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."
Hebrews 10:24–25 reinforces this call to communal engagement. The verse urges believers to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another."
But you are not to blame for the grip of social anxiety that tightens around you.
The adversary seems to amplify these negative feelings. It is not that you are weak or flawed. Rather, there is a spiritual struggle at play, intensifying the challenges you face in social situations.
Amid social anxiety, the adversary feeds you lies about your self-worth and others' judgments. Picture this: a simple social gathering where you perceive others talking in hushed tones. The adversary whispers, convincing you that they are discussing your faults. In turn, you question your place in the group. These deceptive thoughts erode your confidence, making you believe you are an outsider.
Consider another scenario: you hesitate to join a conversation, fearing that your opinions may be met with ridicule. The adversary exploits this fear. It magnifies it to the point where you convince yourself that your thoughts are not valid, and you have nothing valuable to contribute. These lies tarnish your self-perception. It clouds the truth about your worth and the genuine acceptance of those around you.
But remember, no matter how much the adversary tries to make you alone, pulling you away from your fellow believers, you can always draw closer and reach out to God.
The adversary aims to separate you from the strength and support found in the community of believers. By instigating feelings of social anxiety, it tries to create a wedge between you and others, fostering a sense of isolation.
However, the strength of your faith lies in the reassurance that, in moments of social anxiety and isolation, turning to God becomes a lifeline.
Prayer becomes your means of communication, a way to share your struggles, fears, and hopes with the One who understands and accepts you completely. God's presence provides a refuge, offering solace, guidance, and a reminder that you are never truly alone. And little by little, God will help you overcome your fear of social interaction.
Read more:
Is it the Holy Spirit speaking?
