Unshakable

Anxiety is not always cured just by taking a deep breath or going on a nature walk. While these things—along with getting enough sleep at night, eating well, and praying—can help, sometimes they’re not enough. If you are still feeling anxious, know that you’re not alone.

There is no reason to be embarrassed about your anxiety. We live in a broken world where things are difficult and confusing. God made our minds and our bodies good, but since the first humans sinned, all kinds of death and sickness entered the world, including mental illness. Whether it’s having unending thoughts about “what-if†scenarios, feeling like we’re in danger even when we’re not, or some other form of anxiety, God has compassion on us and offers us help. One way God helps us is through other people.

If you have anxious thoughts all the time, or if you cannot find the calm and peace you seek, it’s ok to ask for help. God has given us each other to comfort, encourage, and help one another. Some people can also give advice on how to deal with anxiety in healthy ways, such as counselors and pastors. God provides people you can talk to about what you’re experiencing.

Also know that God is not unaware of your anxiety. In fact, God knows about anxiety because He lived through it. Jesus experienced anxiety while on earth, especially as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, knowing He would soon face death (Luke 22:39-44). Psalm 22 even offers us a glimpse into what it was like for Jesus as He experienced a high level of anxiety on the cross as He bore the sin of the world. Jesus cares about what you’re going through. He’s been there. He knows. He sees you and everything that is going on in your life.

When we seek God, He helps us. Sometimes He helps through other people. Sometimes He gives a moment of peace or reveals a truth in His Word that offers hope. We can talk to God when we feel anxious, being honest about what we’re experiencing and asking for help. Sometimes, thanking God for His blessings can help us remember that He is loving, powerful, and trustworthy. When life feels overwhelming, we can also take a break and spend time with friends, and we can reach out for help when we need it.

Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we can know God’s love for us is stronger than anything, including anxiety. When Jesus returns, He will heal all mental illness for good! In the meantime, we don’t have to be afraid to admit when we’re feeling anxious. Many people feel the same way, and with help from God and each other, we can move toward a life of peace. • Bethany Acker

• If you’d like to talk to someone about anxiety but you aren’t sure who to talk to, 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.

• God lives in perfect community as the Trinity (three Persons in One), and we are made in His image. Because of this, we are designed to live in community. And, if we know Jesus, the same Holy Spirit lives in each of us, uniting us around the gospel. It’s because of this unity that we can be open and honest with each other about our struggles, including struggles with anxiety. Who is a trusted Christian you can talk to about your questions? How can you listen with compassion when other people tell you about their struggles?

• Even if you don’t struggle with clinical anxiety, we all feel anxious from time to time because we live in a broken world. What things are you worried about right now? If you’re ready, you can take some time to bring these worries to God in prayer.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Exodus 19:1-13; 20:18-21; Hebrews 12:1-3; 12:18-28