What is anxiety?

Emotionally, anxiety is a state of inner turmoil often marked by intense worry, fear, or
unease. It can show up as racing thoughts, dread about the future, or a constant feeling
that something bad might happen—even if there’s no obvious reason.

Physically, anxiety activates the body’s stress response. It can manifest physically in a
rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle tension, dizziness, restlessness, or even
stomach aches. These responses are the body’s way of preparing for danger—even if
there’s no real threat.

Spiritually, anxiety is often rooted in fear—a fear of the unknown, of loss, of failure, or
of not being in control. At its core, it reflects a struggle to fully trust God’s character, His
promises, or His timing. When we’re anxious, we may feel like we have to carry
everything on our own, forgetting that God invites us to cast our burdens on Him (Psalm
55:22 NIV). Anxiety can whisper lies that God isn’t near, isn’t good, or won’t come
through—causing us to rely on our own strength instead of resting in His.

The reality of anxiety

Even for Christians, anxiety can be present. We often think that because we follow the
Lord, we should be at peace all of the time and never have any troubles. But God does
not promise that. He promises that he will be with us and guide us through the storm.
His strength will sustain us (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

We will have struggles as Christians and feel fear. But through God’s help, we can face
the storm by seeking Him. The Bible doesn’t ignore our struggles—it speaks directly into
them with compassion and power.

Even Jesus experienced anxiety

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like
drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:44 (NIV)
Jesus, God in the flesh, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, fully aware of the
suffering and death that would await Him through crucifixion. Overwhelmed with

anguish, He prayed so intensely that His sweat became like drops of blood,
revealing the depth of His emotional and spiritual distress.

God gives us strength

There are two wonderful stories in the bible about Moses and Joshua, revealing to us
that God equips us with strength and boldness to carry out what he appoints us to do,
even through fear.

Story of Moses:

God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush that was not consumed by the
flames. He told Moses that He had chosen him to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites
out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses doubted himself, saying he wasn’t a good speaker
and wasn’t the right person for the job. He even asked God to send someone else
because he didn’t think he was capable.

God reassured Moses, reminding him that He would give him the right words to say
when the time came and that He would be with him every step of the way. God
promised that Moses would not fail because His power and presence would go with him
in everything he did. Moses was able to confront Pharaoh and led his people out of
Egypt.

Story of Joshua:

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were finally on the brink of
entering the Promised Land—Canaan. But Moses, who had led them out of Egypt and
through the wilderness, had died (Deuteronomy 34). God appointed Joshua, Moses’
assistant, to lead the people into this new chapter.

This was no small task. Joshua was stepping into huge shoes, and he was about to
face giants, fortified cities, and battle-hardened enemies. Fear and doubt crept into his
heart.

In Joshua 1, God speaks directly to Joshua, appointing him as the new leader and
repeatedly telling him to “be strong and courageous.” God reminds him that just as He
was with Moses, He will be with Joshua. Verse 9 is a direct encouragement from God –
a divine command not to fear or be discouraged because God’s presence would go with
him wherever he went.

Moral of the story: You Are Not Alone

God’s presence is constant. God is always with us and will not abandon us, even during
times of adversity and when we face fear. We can be bold, brave and confident because
God is with us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord
your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
NIV

Practical Steps for Coping

Pray honestly and often

Go to God with your prayers. Lament, share everything on
your mind (God already knows but wants to hear it from us) and commune with him
often – showing our dedication to prayer and to him. God answers our prayers – it may
not be in our timing or how we want them answered but he always answers.

Renew your mind by focusing on what is true, noble, and right (Philippians 4:8). As we
discussed earlier, align your thoughts with God’s Word. Don’t dwell on anxiety and
worry—those thoughts come from fear and distort the truth. Instead, fill your mind with
God’s promises, remember what He says about you, and reflect on the countless times
He has been faithful in your life.

Worship through worry

Sing, journal, or meditate on Scripture.
Seek godly support – trusted friends, pastors, or Christian counselors. Godly support
is powerful. Secrets hold power. When we share our struggles with others, we open the
door to fresh perspectives, encouragement and support we may never have
experienced otherwise.

Use breathwork or grounding techniques

He created our parasympathetic nervous system to help us slow down, rest, and
feel safe. Grounding techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping
us to experience the peace and calm God intended.

Simple grounding techniques:
4-7-8 breathing

Box breathing

5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique

Name:
5 things you can see – Look around and name five things you can visually notice.
4 things you can feel – Notice four things you can physically touch (e.g., your clothing,
the chair, your hands together).
3 things you can hear – Listen for three distinct sounds (near or far).
2 things you can smell – Identify two scents around you (or recall smells if none are
present).
1 thing you can taste – Focus on one taste in your mouth (or imagine a taste you enjoy).

Conviction, discernment or anxiety?

Decipher whether what you’re feeling is conviction, discernment, or simply anxiety. God
gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us, and there is a clear difference between the two.
Anxiety is often marked by overthinking, rumination, panic, and a need to control
everything. Conviction and discernment, on the other hand, come without chaos – they
carry a sense of peace, clarity, and a quiet confidence that God is leading you. When in
doubt, pause, pray, and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal the source of what you’re feeling.

When Anxiety Doesn’t Go Away Instantly

• Know that sanctification is a journey. God is still at work in you, shaping you day by day, and His grace covers you in every step of the process.
• Trust God, even when healing feels slow. We may not always see or feel Hiswork, but Scripture reminds us to remain faithful, knowing He is moving andworking behind the scenes for our good.
• Remember that faith, therapy and medication can coexist. God can use all threeas instruments of His healing, working through both spiritual and practical means to restore your mind, body, and spirit.

Closing Prayer

A prayer for this week to help us trust in God:
“God, today I lay down____, I trust You more than I trust what I can control. I believe
You will provide what I need. Use my surrender to shape my soul and to reveal Your
glory. Amen.”