Lately my anxiety has been at an all-time high. I have always dealt with anxiety my entire life, even as a child. I absolutely believe some people are more neurologically prone to anxiety, I am one of those people. Though that is true, I still believe God wants to walk with us through it and equip us with truth to still our anxious minds. And because of that, I’m not quite ready to throw in the towel and say this is just how it is! I believe God has more for us, more out of life for you and me.
Jesus promises us in John 10:10 that he has come to bring us life to the fullest, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” And with God’s help, I don’t think we have to settle. Oftentimes my anxiety gets the best of me, leaving me reeling, fearful, and full of dread. My mind will get trapped in an anxiety loop, going round and round thinking back through scenarios that happened in my past or stressing over things may never happen at all.
Can you relate?
There is hope for us, friend. God’s word is full of encouragements, comfort, and applicable truth for us in our most anxious moments. And we don’t have to go through it alone. I would encourage you to write these truths on your heart that you might return to them again and again. Repeat them to yourself and allow God’s very Spirit to permeate your anxious heart with his lasting and abundant peace.
1. God gives us his peace. We don’t have to manufacture our own.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” –John 14:27
2. Cast your anxiety on God because cares for you.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7
3. You don’t have to understand your circumstances to have peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7
4. God doesn’t leave you powerless.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” –2 Timothy 1:7
5. God is with you, strengthening you and upholding you himself.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10
6. Remind yourself of the Good News. It has the ability to lift your spirits and lighten your load.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” –Proverbs 12:25
7. Take life one day at a time.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
8. God’s comfort produces joy in our heavy hearts.
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” –Psalm 94:19
9. God makes a way for you. You are not alone.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” –Deuteronomy 31:8
10. Jesus offers us true rest for our souls.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” –Matthew 11:28-30
God cares deeply for your troubled heart. He is inviting you into a place of peace and trust, where he is the one bearing your burdens. Though anxiety may always be a place of struggle this side of heaven, God is not silent on the matter, and you are never alone in it. Open up your heart to God in these times of stress and unrest. You will be met by peace himself (Ephesians 2:14).
