In a world that’s constantly moving, we can fall under the pressure of needing to jump into the never-ending cycle of goal achieving. It’s a cycle that tries to accomplish more than we can handle at the expense of our mental health.
Until we hit a point where anxiety takes over us, we think to ourselves if what we’re doing is enough. But God’s Word reminds us that he is in control. In Him, we can find rest and satisfaction that will carry us through those periods of anxiety.
When we feel anxious at work
We think the more hours we put into a project, the more results we should get, but here’s a simple truth: God brings the results.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
1 Corinthians 3:6
Let’s rest knowing that his favor rests on us.
Psalm 90:17 says, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
When we feel anxious in a relationship
When a relationship is bringing anxiety into our lives, we must remember that it does not define us. If the relationship is letting us down, we must know that God never changes. We can turn to him, knowing he will always come through.
We can also feel anxious about not being in a relationship because it’s something we long for. When this happens, let’s remember that God satisfies all voids and His timing is truly perfect.
“An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.”
1 Corinthians 7:34
More than two times, Paul urges the people – those who have control over their own bodies – to not get married because marriage brings many worries. Of course, those who are already married shouldn’t wish they were single.
When we feel anxious about our future
Feeling worried about the future is sometimes inevitable, but when this happens we have two choices. We can stay trapped in those thoughts, or choose to run to the one who is in control.
Let’s make it a habit and use anxiety as a sign to turn to Jesus.
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
God will comfort us through dark times, challenging times, and unknown times. He has seen it all, and he is not naive to the challenges we all face. Let’s trust that he will get us through, just like he has done in the past.
When we’re worried about school
School can bring financial stress, as well as fear of the future, but trust that God will show up! This is the perfect time to see God meet our needs.
“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.”
Philippians 4:6-7
When everything makes us anxious
Our world seems to get darker as years pass by, which makes it difficult to see a bring future. Additionally, social media gives us a glimpse of other people’s highlights, which also brings anxiety.
When those things weigh us down, we must turn our focus the other way – to God. He is our safe zone, the one we can look to without feeling judged, the one who will accept us as anxious as we feel.
Psalm 55: 22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Let’s turn to prayer and lay all of our cares down. He will turn our anxiety around and bless us with confidence.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7
He is faithful and will sustain us until the end. He is holding us in his hands.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Prayer when feeling anxious
Dear God,
My feelings and emotions are taking over my mind. My heart is heavy. I feel the pressure of life. Take my burdens, Lord. I cast them before you. Do not allow me to get lost in my own mind. Allow your favor to rest on me. With my hands, I can’t do anything, so I ask you to establish the work of my hands. Through this dark time, I ask you to remove all fear. I trust that you’re in control. You are my comforter. Thank you, Lord, because you never let me down. Allow your peace that surpasses all understanding to reign over my life. Guard and keep my heart from feeling anxious. Renew my strength, so I won’t grow weary. In the name of Jesus, Amen.