What gives rise to anxiety or worries?
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6, TNIV)
“What gives rise to anxiety or worries?” I asked. I think verse 24 provides the needed context to read vv 25-34. The master I serve locates my heart. Anxiety indicates whom I serve. Anxiety can lead me to doing foolish and ‘unthoughtful’ decisions and actions which in turn harm others as well as myself, i think.
Anxiety often stems from uncertainty—uncertainty about the future, finances, relationships, or even our own abilities. It can weigh heavily on the mind, affecting not just emotional well-being but also decision-making. When left unchecked, anxiety can push individuals toward impulsive choices that may not align with their long-term goals.
This is especially true for those in high-stress professions, such as mental health professionals, who dedicate their lives to helping others navigate similar struggles. Therapists and counselors, while trained to guide others through their anxieties, are not immune to these challenges themselves.
The thought of handling business operations, managing clients, and ensuring financial stability can trigger self-doubt and hesitation. However, with the right resources and support, these worries can be transformed into motivation.
Starting a private practice is not just about independence—it’s about creating a space where therapists can provide care in a way that aligns with their values and expertise. While anxiety may whisper doubts about financial risks, client acquisition, or the technicalities of setting up a practice, these fears can be managed with proper guidance and planning.
Courses designed for therapists looking to establish their own practice offer step-by-step strategies for navigating licensing requirements, marketing, and financial planning. Just as therapists teach their clients coping mechanisms to manage stress, they too can equip themselves with the tools needed to ease the anxiety of entrepreneurship.
~ Rev Ting Moy Hong
