“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
“Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults (19.1% of the population) in the U.S. annually. Only 36.9% of those people struggling are seeking treatment. Anxiety can be caused by genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events” (ADAA, 2023). Environmental offenders such as dyes and pesticides in our foods and hygiene products, the saturation of media, and prescription drugs, including vaccines, are tested contributors, additionally lending to this widespread trend. No matter the severity, coping with anxiety weighs heavily on the heart and can drain us of our peace. Even if pinpointed causes are not identified for every case, we can be assured that many forms of anxiety are rooted in some level of spiritual warfare.
Paul gave us insight into how he dealt with anxiety while imprisoned: “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). Being in a close relationship with God is essential to coping with anxiety! We can support and improve our mental health by digging into God’s word, exercising our Jesus-granted authority over our health, and taking everything to God in prayer. The good news? We serve a mighty and wonderful God! He is in control at all times, even when we aren’t. “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Never give up or stop trusting Him to be all you need.
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: If you suffer from anxiety, God knows your struggle—You will never, ever be alone because He is always with you. If you know someone battling anxiety, send them this devotion and a few words of encouragement today.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Prayer: Father God, thank You for surrounding us; You are a mighty and powerful God! We lay the weight of anxiety, fear, and depression before You today. These things are too heavy a burden for us to bear alone. Fill our hearts with peace and calm our spirits. We trust in You, Lord, and know that we can do all things through You who give us strength. In Your name, we pray, Amen!
Final Thought: “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
The Strongest Faith in the Deepest Pain
“For she said, ‘If I touch even His garments, I will be made well’” (Mark 5:28).
Walking Confidently in His Light
“For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
On the Solid Rock, We Stand
“He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one Body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Surrounded by The Father
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
God Uses Imperfect People in Extraordinary Ways
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Turning Your Mess into a Message
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16).
Encouragement and Prayer for New Graduates
Graduation is such an exciting moment! While it’s the end of a significant chapter, it’s the beginning of many new ones forward! Taking time to celebrate this milestone is important. While there may be some uncertainty about next steps, God’s Word provides direction for the road ahead. God cares about the details of every life and wants to lead each graduate to their purpose in Christ. When we seek His face and lean into Him, He promises to be with us in every step of the journey (Matthew 6:33).