How Do I Deal With Anxiety As A Christian?
Unpacking how we handle anxiety, even as christians, takes incredible care and nuance. From the severity of the struggle, to the tools we utilize as believers, we understand that our paths are unique, often intentional, to grow into the capable, enduring, loving people that God ultimately uses for good.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can range from mild to severe. It is a common human emotion and can be triggered by various stressors such as work, relationships, health concerns, or financial issues.
Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats or challenges, and it can be helpful in motivating us to take action. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or overwhelming, it can interfere with our daily lives.
What we want you to know is that in ANY situation, you are not alone. The heart of Share The Struggle is to show you how God can help you find rest in His mighty hand. We believe that you were created to flourish in the freedom made available by taking thoughts captive and yielding them to God. So, no matter what is the root of your anxiety, or however it presents in your mind, body or Spirit, ...there is hope!
*The Key: Anxiety is experienced by everyone. Severity of symptoms can be explicative of an Anxiety disorder, but not a prerequisite to experiencing everyday symptoms of anxiety.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be triggered by many things, like a problem at work, a big test, or making an important decision.
In addition to these external factors, our own thoughts and beliefs can play a significant role in the development and maintenance of anxiety. As Christians, we may struggle with negative thoughts that go against our faith or even feelings of isolation, any of which can leave us doubting God's love or feeling unworthy of His grace. These thoughts can fuel anxiety, but they can also be challenged and changed through forms of mental health support and resources that provide tools for dealing with anxious thoughts. *Consider connecting with a share the struggle coach*
Understanding Anxiety
While many different life events can trigger anxiety disorders, lived experiences, past traumas, genetic predispositions, food intolerances, hormonal shifts, and even brain chemistry, amongst others, impact our unique symptoms and responses to feelings of anxiety. These circumstances dictate the severity of symptoms and how we cope (or our inability to cope) with anxiety.
Why Am I Experiencing Anxiety as a Christian?
As echoed so frequently amidst the rest of our content, to struggle is to be human. As God’s creation in a world of sin, though set apart by our faith, we live and deal with common human emotions all the time. As a result of all different types of factors (upbringing, genetic predispositions, past trauma, stressors, etc.), these struggles can become excessive or invasive to our everyday functioning.
For those experiencing persistent struggles with anxiety, these also don’t make us any less of a Chrstian or deserving of God's love. After all, love given is simply a gift from our Creator. There is nothing that anyone has ever done to earn, nor will ever do, to earn God’s love.
Becoming Vulnerable with Anxiety as a Christian
Many Christians experience anxiety and it is nothing to be ashamed of. However, a challenge that often arises when dealing with anxiety as a Christian is the pressure to always appear strong and put together. As believers, it's common to feel a need of presenting ourselves as put together and not show any signs of weakness or vulnerability.
However, this can be detrimental in managing our anxiety. By pretending that everything is fine and suppressing our true emotions, we are not allowing ourselves to fully heal and seek help. It is important to remember that it is okay to be vulnerable and seek support from others, including mental health professionals.It is also important to remember that the temptation to mask our humanness is universal, yet God's invitation is that we embrace our weakness, for in it His power is made perfect.
The Christian Perspective on Anxiety
As Christians, we are called to have faith in God and trust in His plans for us. In fact, in God's word it acknowledges that we will face trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33). While God does not want us to live in a constant state of fear and worry, He also understands our human nature and the struggles we face and invites us to bring Him into that story.
In the Bible, many figures experienced anxiety and turned to God for comfort. One example is King David, who wrote in Psalm 34:4 NIV, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." This verse reminds us that we can turn to God in our moments of anxiety and find comfort and peace. It also reminds us that God is not a bit surprised by our challenge, He has foretold us in His word (King David) that He is the pathway to peace beyond understanding.
Coping with Anxiety as a Christian
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with anxiety, there are some practical tips that may help Christians cope with this struggle.
Prayer is a powerful tool for finding peace and comfort in times of anxiety. Take time to talk to God about your worries and ask for His guidance and strength. Jesus desires that intimacy with us. He longs for hearing about our deepest desires, worries, and fears.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you in prayer and confess my great need for more of you! Your word tells me that you care for even the smallest sparrow, yet at this moment I fear you have forgotten me.Your word tells me you are faithful, yet at times like this I let my worries diminish my trust in you and so easily forget all that you have done for me. Forgive me for this and enable me to surrender my concerns wholly into your care. (Philippians 4, 6-7)
Thank you for the precious encouragement I find in Your Word. Bring to my mind a promise I can cling to today. Strengthen my faith as I read Scripture and help me to turn to the unchanging truths of your Word when my changing circumstances make me fearful and anxious.
Lord, help me to identify the specific worries stealing my peace at this time. I entrust each concern into your care, and I surrender all control of my life to you. I believe you love and care for me.
When I am afraid I will trust in you.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Seeking support is another important coping mechanism as well as surrounding yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers who can offer understanding and encouragement. Consider joining a small group, seeking counseling, or connecting with a christian coach.
The Bible is full of verses that speak to anxiety and fear. Reading and meditating on these verses can help you find strength and reassurance in God's promises. Practice self-care like taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is crucial in managing anxiety.
Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time in nature. Don't be afraid to seek professional help, if your anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, do not hesitate to seek professional help. This can include therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment.
Remember that managing anxiety is a journey, and there will be ups and downs. Trust in God's plan for your life and know that He is always with you, even in the midst of your struggles.
How Does God View Anxiety?
God sees us as His beloved children, this is his promise no matter the challenge we face. He does not look at you and see a mental illness, He sees his son or daughter. He does not condemn us for our struggles but instead offers grace, love, and understanding. In God’s eyes all sufferings are purposeful because He has predetermined our perfect pathway forward, in and through Him. As followers, our assignment is to draw near to He that heals in all circumstances. The bible teaches that He came to impact and restore all aspects of our lives, whether it is anxiety, loneliness, panic attacks, depression, broken relationships, mental illness, etc. He sees you!
Give your Life and your Thoughts to Jesus Christ
In moments of anxiety, it's natural to become overwhelmed by our internal monologue of concerns and fears. This can lead to feeling isolated in our struggles and experiencing panic attacks. However, it's crucial to remember the power of surrendering those heavy thoughts and emotions to the Holy Spirit.
The first step to surrendering your life and thoughts is to give your heart and life to Jesus. If you haven’t already you can do it now by reciting this simple prayer:
Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, that you died on the cross to rescue me from sin and death and to restore me the Father. I choose now to turn from my sins and every part of my life that does not please you. I choose you, I give myself to you. I receive your forgiveness and ask you to take your rightful place in my life as my Saviour and Lord. Come to reign in my heart, fill me with your love and life, and help me to become a person who is truly loving, a person like you. Restore me, Jesus. Transform me, Jesus. Live in me. Love through me. Thank you, God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Share the Struggle
At Share The Struggle we believe deeply in the powerfulness of our thought life and the danger that exists when our thoughts do not align with our identity in Christ. On the other hand, aligning our thoughts to who God says we are creates feelings of safety, confidence, calm and hope. Ultimately, when our thoughts are His thoughts, when we meditate on His words of who we are, we are made free and then able to act and respond to life's challenges in a new way.
There are seasons in life when the support of a counselor, mentor, or coach can be the help we need to move forward. A safe and trusted confidant can help identify our limiting beliefs, harmful thinking and lies we have come to believe about ourselves, God and the world. This is nothing to be ashamed of! To the contrary, within a struggle lies an opportunity to draw closer to God and to His calling on our life. At Share The Struggle our coaches work with a unique model that is rooted in the Word and powerful in revealing the thoughts that have us stuck. Together, we gently move towards reshaping those thoughts into a new form, one that is biblically aligned and provides a Spirit filled pathway into freedom and growth.
Finding Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
While it can be a struggle to deal with anxiety, it is possible to find peace and hope in the midst of it. As Christians, we have the assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6) and God’s presence is always with us. We can also find comfort in knowing that our suffering is not meaningless, but rather a part of God's greater plan for our lives (Romans 8:28). Yet, as humans there is always the undercurrent desire to manage outcomes and control events. This desire can perpetuate feelings of anxiety and unproductive looping thoughts. We are called to yield our thoughts and surrender our burdens to God. When doing so, we can reframe our anxiety into a blessing that deepens our relationship with Christ and grows us in faith and wisdom. As we rely on Him more fully, we will begin to recognize the fruit of God’s grace in our lives. We begin to find the peace and understanding that heals and transforms. (Philippians 4:7)
Bible Verses About Anxiety
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 41:10 NIV "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."
Psalm 55:22 NIV "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
1 John 4:18 NIV "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
Psalm 34:4 NIV "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
As we continue to face challenges and struggles in life, let us always remember that God is with us and offers us strength, peace, and comfort in the midst of anxiety. We can find hope and healing through our faith and trust in Him. May we continue to turn to trust God and seek him in prayer, seek support from our Christian community, and find solace in His promises as we navigate through life's journey.
Frequently Asked Anxiety as a Christian Questions
Is it possible to be a Christian and struggle with anxiety?
Absolutely. As mentioned earlier, mental health struggles do not make someone any less of a Christian. Our faith does not exempt us from experiencing human emotions and challenges.
Can anxiety be cured through prayer alone?
It can be so easy to forget that mental health struggles, such as anxiety, are a natural part of being human. That said, it’s increasingly easy to forget this fact when we are experiencing the uncomfortable feelings, sensations and symptoms that accompany anxiety. However, if we can pause and link our challenges to Truth we are then able to see our circumstances through a new lens. A lens that brings the understanding that within this process of overcoming we are given an opportunity to accept the ultimate charge to be more like Him. Clearly, there is no one size fits all to overcoming human challenges.Yet,as image bearers of Christ, we are all similar and so is our desire for human connection. But, the uniqueness around our individual designs bring about different ways of processing, coping tools, and even severity with which we are impacted by a unique struggle.
When we remind ourselves of this truth and apply a more high level view of our earthly struggles, we see that our identity in Christ is the unifying theme of the BIGGER GOAL for overcoming struggles, and that individuality and unique design creates nuance to how I might go about something compared to another .
In short, faith and prayer are essential to getting after what God’s heart for us is as we work through our struggle -becoming more like Jesus-, but they don’t give us the practical tools for overcoming the struggle.
Here’s an example: A runner has faith and prayer for the outcome of their efforts on race day. Prior to, the runner needs technical training on how to be the best athlete for competition day. Prayer and faith are interwoven in the training process too, but we don’t show up on the day of the track meet without hours of practice and training.
Is it a sin to have anxiety?
No, having anxiety is not a sin. Jesus Himself experienced feelings of distress and fear in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38). What matters is how we handle those feelings and turn to God for help.
Conclusion
Anxiety may be a difficult struggle but as Christians we can find comfort and hope in God's promises. By incorporating prayer, support, self-care, and seeking professional help when needed, we can learn to manage our anxiety and grow in our faith. Sometimes we begin to question whether or not God will heal us? Will he place certain people into our lives to help us through our struggles? God knew from the beginning of time that we would face struggles and challenges in our lives. But He also promises to be with us through it all, giving us strength and comfort in the midst of our anxieties. Let us hold onto His promises and continue to seek Him during our most difficult moments. May God's love and grace guide us on our journey towards peace and healing.
I want you to remember and never forget that you are not alone in your struggles and that God is always with you on this journey. So do not be afraid, for He is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:9). Trust in Him and find peace in the midst of anxiety.