Do you or a loved one know what it's like to battle daily anxiety or face overwhelming trials? That mental distress and agitation can come from legitimate concern or grow out of proportion in our imagination. Some people deal with short-term, situational anxiety that passes, while others deal with longer-term worries. But amidst our fears, God provides many antidotes to help us.
Jesus knew that in this life we’d face many trials, but His Word promises that He’s overcome the world. We can rest assured that we have both a present and a future hope in Him. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).
As you walk through your present anxiety, here are five steps you can take to help you find strength in the Lord.
1. Be honest with yourself.
Admit that you're struggling with anxiety. It’s okay to say it out loud—being honest is often the first step toward healing.
2. Don’t self-medicate.
It’s tempting to respond to anxiety by indulging in behaviors that make us feel better in the moment—overeating, alcohol or drugs, numbing out in front of the computer, phone, or television for hours on end. Unfortunately, these unhealthy coping mechanisms often make our issues worse, because they’re only temporary fixes that mask the symptoms of a much deeper problem. Instead, seek to treat the root of the problem through prayer, talking to friends and family, or, if necessary, Christian counseling and medical intervention.
3. Be intentional about what you're putting into your mind.
Our thoughts have a profound effect on how we live. When you're filling your mind with thoughts of God and His promises, you're training your heart, mind, and body to stand firm during difficult and stressful seasons.
4. Embrace the power of surrendering your life to God.
Learning to release control and trust God’s care and provision for our lives is a powerful tool when we start feeling overwhelmingly anxious. Every single day, surrender your struggles to Him. Let the truth of His promises sink into your heart, and let His wonderful peace, which surpasses all understanding, wash over you.
5. Pray for God’s grace daily.
You don’t have to carry the burden of anxiety alone. God’s help and strength are available to you at all times. So get on your knees daily and ask for His grace to strengthen you in your struggles with anxiety. Second Corinthians 12:9 says, “'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me” (NLT).
Below are some scriptures to help you know what God says about our response to anxiety. In addition, if you want prayer or to talk about your struggle with anxiety, feel free to call the pastoral care team at 800-525-5683.
Additional Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:25-34
"So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
Psalm 55:22
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.
