Chattanooga Times Free Press

Anxiety fills hearts of very many people

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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham.

Q: Drugs are destroying our world, certainly our young people. What drives people — young and old — to this crutch? - A.C.

A: Anxiety fills the hearts of people today. While battles rage around the world and storms gather in the human spirit, depression steals rest from our souls. This is an unfolding phenomenon that grips hearts with indescriba­ble fear. Society is caught up in a powerful windstorm by turning to drugs to calm their hearts and minds.

Millions of barbiturat­es are swallowed every night to help the nation sleep. Millions of tranquiliz­ers keep people calm during the day. Millions of pep pills wake people up in the morning. The Bible warns that these flights from reality bring no lasting satisfacti­on.

Volumes could be written on the problem of drug addiction. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported that antidepres­sants are now the most prescribed drugs in the United States. They are sometimes called the “designer drug.” In an interview on CNN, one physician stated, “It’s hard to believe that so many people are depressed, or that antidepres­sants are the answer.” This doctor is wise, indeed. Drugs are not the answer to man’s troubled condition. There is only one answer to the travail of this present age, and it is found in the pages of God’s Word, the Bible.

Being under the responsibl­e care of physicians when battling emotional trauma can help tremendous­ly, but do not dismiss the peace of mind that comes from the Great Physician. Jesus brings deliveranc­e to those who are weighed down. The Bible encourages us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. It is good medicine for our minds and hearts (see Philippian­s 4:8).

 ?? ?? Billy Graham
Billy Graham

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