When Anxiety Hits

Pressure and anxiety creep in when we try to do everything on our own. But the good news? We were never meant to handle it alone. God has already given us what we need to find peace.

So why do we feel this way in the first place? A lot of it comes down to control. We stress ourselves out trying to manage things that were never ours to handle. Jesus put it plainly in Matthew 6:27—"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" We worry because we forget who is actually in control. And then there’s the fact that life is just plain hard. Jesus didn’t sugarcoat it: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) The struggles are real, but so is the promise that we’re not facing them alone.

And let’s not forget the pressure to measure up—to be the perfect parent, the best employee, the one who has it all together. That pressure can be overwhelming. But Proverbs 29:25 reminds us, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." When we spend our energy chasing approval from others, we open the door to stress and anxiety. But when we rest in who God says we are, we find peace.

So what can we actually do about it? First, we have to let go and give it to God. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." That means we don’t have to hold onto it. Lay it all at His feet—every worry, every fear—and trust that He’s got it under control.

Then, we shift our focus. Philippians 4:6-7 gives us a game plan: "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." Instead of obsessing over our problems, we remind ourselves of His promises. That’s when peace starts to settle in.

Putting God first is another game-changer. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When we stop putting our worries ahead of God and start putting God ahead of our worries, things begin to fall into place.

And let’s talk about community. Anxiety loves isolation, but healing happens in relationships. Proverbs 12:25 says, "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." We weren’t meant to struggle alone. Find people who will pray with you, encourage you, and remind you of God’s truth when you forget it.

Finally, lean into the peace Jesus offers. He said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This isn’t just any peace—it’s real, lasting, and completely independent of our circumstances.

At the end of the day, life is going to throw challenges our way, and anxiety is real. But so is God’s peace. He gives us the roadmap—not to ignore stress, but to surrender it. When we shift our burdens to Him, we find a freedom that nothing in this world can offer.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed today, take a deep breath, say a prayer, and remember: God is with you. He sees you. And He is bigger than whatever you’re facing.