My Heart’s Lament

When I was a teen, I wish I would’ve learned God doesn’t look down on me because of my anxiety. At that time, I didn’t even realize I was fighting anxiety. I just knew I was fighting fear—and feeling like I was never safe—even though I knew it was completely irrational.

I was afraid of failing, and I couldn’t figure out why. I felt like I couldn’t tell anyone, including God. I knew I wanted healing but didn’t know how to ask Him for it.

When I was in college, the pressure to excel only became more intense. I worked myself to the bone trying to succeed. It was only after I graduated that I got much-needed help with my anxiety. It turns out I wasn’t alone—many people struggle with anxiety, and there are people who can help me and support me. I started to be open with God about my feelings, and I was reminded that He is always with me. And God is so compassionate and tender-hearted. He helped me to see myself not as a failure but as a conqueror through Him. My value doesn’t come from my accomplishments—it comes from Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection.

My doctor also put me on a low dose of anxiety medication that has helped me immensely. I am able to get more done every day without the fear of failure looming over me. I wish I had known I could get help sooner. God has helped me overcome anxiety and has given me more confidence in who He has made me to be. It’s all by His grace. God doesn’t look down on me because of my anxiety. Instead, He has compassion on me and helps me. • Alexis Wohler

• Have you ever felt like this author? Sometimes, it can help just to talk with someone who understands. You can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

• What do you feel like you can’t talk to God about? Through Christ, God doesn’t condemn you, and His love for you is secure (Romans 8:1; 31-39). How might this truth give you hope?

• Are you facing something that you don’t understand? Who is a trusted Christian you can share your struggles with, such as a counselor, pastor, parent, teacher, coach, or friend?

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:34 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Psalm 13; Revelation 21:3-7