Spiritual Truths for Battling Anxiety

My anxiety looks different day by day. Sometimes, it looks like me curled up on the bathroom floor. Other times, it’s an overwhelming sense of nothing—numb beyond words. In both situations, it’s easy for me to believe the lie that I’m a bad Christian because I’m not “trusting God enough,” or not “fully casting my burdens on Him.”

My anxiety also ebbs and flows in different seasons. When I notice it getting worse, I find myself journaling prayers that resemble pleas for help—freedom from my own mind.

Thankfully, by the grace of God, I am surrounded and supported by an incredible community.

But I share this to let you know that I get it. The shame you may be feeling—that’s real. The desperation and white-knuckle hold you have on anything that resembles hope—that’s real. But I promise you—there is hope.

God has a purpose for your pain, even if it was never part of your plan.

Regardless of how it happened, maybe the enemy has tried planting seeds of worry, apathy, and self-hatred in your heart. But no matter what your story looks like, there’s always hope. God has a purpose for your pain, even if it was never part of your plan.

So, let’s get practical about this, shall we?

Anxiety, like many mental illnesses, looks different for different people. For me, it’s very much an internal battle of racing thoughts, endless to-do lists, and shortness of breath. For someone else, it’s sleepless nights that end in panic. And for others, it manifests itself in the form of OCD or Tourette Syndrome.

No matter what it may look like for you, it’s incredibly easy to get stuck in a cycle of anxious thoughts.

And when you’re caught in the middle of an anxious spiral, you can convince yourself you’re the only one struggling. Or you can even start spiraling about your spiral.

But have you ever noticed how often the Bible talks about worry, fear, and anxiety? I have a theory it’s because God knows it’s an easy way for the enemy to attack us. If the enemy can get us to take even a glance away from God and toward our fears, we can easily drown.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-30 NIV

We may not find ourselves walking on water anytime soon, but the fear Peter felt as he cried out to Jesus was real. And as long as we’re on this side of heaven, we will continue to battle similar kinds of paralyzing fear.

But I love Jesus’ response. In that Scripture, Jesus reaches out to Peter and saves him from drowning. And Jesus does the same thing for us. He’ll reach out to us, pick us up, and comfort us even in the craziest storms.

When you start thinking about your fears, remember that Jesus will be right there, ready to catch you. And as you’re able to keep your eyes focused on God, His presence will sustain you as you begin to experience His peace.

Resources for Overcoming Anxiety

Watch Pastor Craig’s series, Anxious for Nothing
Watch Pastor Craig talk about finding relief from anxiety.
Watch Pastor Craig’s series Winning the War in Your Mind.
Listen to this podcast episode about dealing with anxious thoughts.
Listen to Pastor Craig’s Winning the War in Your Mind miniseries on the You’ve Heard It Said Podcast.
Read this guide about anxiety.
Read more about dealing with anxious thoughts.
Start the Anxious for Nothing Bible Plan.

A Prayer for Anyone Battling Anxious Thoughts

Heavenly Father, thank You for being near to me. I ask that You would guard my heart and my mind against the worries of this world. Cover me in Your perfect peace. Show me how You’re using this battle for Your glory, and help me to trust You with all that I am. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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