Many of us struggle with anxiety at different times and to varying degrees in our lives. Anxiety can take many forms, worry, dread, fear, racing thoughts, a pounding heartbeat, or sleepless nights. We may know that we feel anxious, but knowing what to do with those feelings is another matter entirely.
The world offers countless ways to cope with anxiety. Some people try to escape it through alcohol, medication used improperly, distractions, or other temporary remedies. While certain approaches may provide momentary relief, they may not address what is happening beneath the surface.
As Christians, we should also ask an important question:
What does God’s Word tell us to do with our anxiety?
Scripture gives us a place to begin.
When anxiety takes hold, it is helpful to examine what is happening in our hearts and minds. What are we afraid will happen? What are we trying to control? What are we believing about our circumstances—and what are we believing about God in the midst of them?
Jesus addresses worry directly in Matthew 6:25–34. He tells us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat or drink, or what tomorrow may bring. Instead, Jesus repeatedly points us toward the care and provision of our Heavenly Father.
Matthew 6:30 gives us an important clue when Jesus asks His followers, “You of little faith?”
This does not mean that a Christian experiencing anxiety has no faith.
Rather, there are times when fear and uncertainty can expose areas where our faith is being challenged. We may know intellectually that God is faithful while still struggling emotionally to trust Him with a particular circumstance.
That is why identifying what lies beneath our anxious thoughts can be so helpful.
Hebrews 3 warns believers about developing an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. This does not mean that every experience of anxiety is evidence of unbelief. Anxiety can have many contributing factors. But when fear causes us to question God's character, goodness, presence, or provision, we have an opportunity to bring those thoughts into the light of Scripture.
And that is good news.
Why?
Because instead of simply feeling powerless against our anxious thoughts, we can begin developing a specific biblical action plan for responding to them.
How Do We Do This?
Suppose you are anxious about a new venture, an important meeting, a major decision, or an upcoming event.
Fear may immediately begin filling your mind:
What if I fail?
What if something goes wrong?
What if I cannot handle this?
Instead of allowing those thoughts to continue unchecked, stop and intentionally bring them before God.
Then remind yourself of what Scripture says.
Isaiah 41:10 tells us:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Notice where our attention is redirected. Not toward our own ability. Not toward having complete control over the situation. But toward God, His presence, His strength, and His faithfulness.
When anxious thoughts return, continue bringing your mind back to biblical truth. Pray specifically about what you are afraid of. Identify the fear. Ask God for wisdom. Remind yourself of His promises.
You might ask yourself:
What exactly am I afraid will happen?
Is this fear based on something happening right now, or something I imagine might happen?
Am I trying to control something that belongs in God's hands?
What does Scripture tell me about God's character in this situation?
What practical action can I responsibly take today?
Then pray specifically instead of generally. Rather than simply praying, “Lord, take away my anxiety,” talk to Him about the actual fear behind it.
“Lord, I am afraid this meeting will go badly.”
“Lord, I am worried about my finances.”
“Lord, I do not know what is going to happen, and I am struggling to trust You.”
Bring the real concern before Him.
Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us to bring everything to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Scripture does not tell us to pretend that our fears do not exist. It tells us where to take them.
We can also prepare ahead of time.
Choose several verses that speak directly to the fears you commonly face. Write them down. Keep them somewhere easily accessible. Memorize them. Pray through them. When anxiety begins to rise, you already have biblical truth ready to redirect your thoughts.
And do not become discouraged when this takes time.
Changing deeply established thought patterns often requires repetition and perseverance. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that the God who began a good work in us will continue that work until completion.
Our goal is not to pretend that difficult circumstances do not exist. Our goal is to learn how to face those circumstances while increasingly trusting the One who does not change.
- If anxiety has become persistent, overwhelming, or is interfering with your everyday life, you do not have to navigate it alone. Biblical Counseling can help you examine your thoughts, identify underlying fears, apply Scripture to your circumstances, and develop a practical action plan for moving forward. Schedule an appointment with me today, and together we can begin working toward a healthier, more disciplined, and Christ-centered thought life.
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Recommended Reading
Running Scared — Edward T. Welch
Anxious for Nothing — Max Lucado
Trusting God — Jerry Bridges
Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety — Elyse Fitzpatrick
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