What To Do When You Feel Anxious
Discover practical, faith-based steps to manage anxiety from a Christian perspective. Learn how to find peace in God’s Word, take care of yourself, and navigate challenging times with hope and strength.
Anxiety is a feeling many of us face at some point in our lives, even if it’s not a regular companion. For someone like me, who doesn’t usually struggle with anxiety, these recent bouts of unease have been quite unsettling.
Life changes, big or small, can sometimes pile up, leaving us feeling overwhelmed. When these feelings flood our lives, what should we do? How do we find peace amidst the storm?
Let’s talk about ways to feed our souls, fill our minds with peace, and take care of our bodies.
Embrace The Unexpected
Lately, a series of changes in my life has caused my anxiety levels to spike. One change would have been challenging enough, but facing multiple changes at once has left me feeling on edge. I’ve found myself weepy, short-tempered, and certainly not my best—emotions that feel foreign to my usual self.
It’s easy to feel lost in times like these, but it’s crucial to remember that God is with us in every circumstance. While anxiety may feel like a heavy burden, it’s also an opportunity to deepen our relationship and reliance on God.
Hunker Down And Seek Refuge In God
In Lancaster County, where I’m from, there’s a phrase we often use: “Hunker down.” It means to stay put, get cozy, and wait out the storm. And that’s exactly what I’m doing—hunkering down in God’s Word and His love.
I’m pressing into the One who knows me best and loves me the most. Tears come when I allow myself to be enveloped by God’s love, but I’m not fighting them. Instead, I’m letting God take care of how my emotions manifest. In God’s economy, I’m experiencing a trial, and the first chapter of James gives us clear guidance on navigating such trials.
James 1: 2-4 says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This is not the time to take on extra responsibilities or tackle big projects. Instead, it’s a time to rest in God’s presence, allowing Him to guide me through this season of anxiety.
Anchoring Your Heart In Scripture
Memorizing Scripture is a powerful way to anchor your heart in truth during anxious times. Our feelings can be deceptive, and they often lead us down paths that are not aligned with God’s will. As Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
In times of anxiety, it’s vital to trust not in our own understanding but in the wisdom of God’s Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Here are a few of my go-to verses that provide comfort and direction when anxiety strikes:
- Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything with prayer, petition and thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your mind and heart in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 8:28: And we know all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
- John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Take Care Of Your Body And Mind
Lately, I’ve find myself waking up at 3:00 a.m., unable to return to sleep. It’s a new experience for me, and while it’s tempting to worry, I’m learning to use that time to focus on self-care and prayer.
Taking care of our physical health is important, especially during anxious times. I’m making a conscious effort to eat well, take vitamins, exercise, stay hydrated, and spend time with loved ones. These small steps can help alleviate stress and keep our bodies and minds in balance.
And let’s not forget the importance of rest! I’m not opposed to taking a nap if I need one—our bodies often need extra care during challenging seasons.
A Glimpse Of Eternity
Anxious times are a stark reminder that this world is temporary and our true victory lies in Jesus Christ. We are but sojourners in this world, and our eternal home is with our Savior. As we navigate anxiety, we can hold onto the hope that this, too, shall pass. While that phrase isn’t found in the Bible, the concept is biblical: trials are temporary, but the character we develop through them has eternal value.
By leaning into God during anxious times, we emerge stronger, with a deeper, more Christ-like character—and that’s a treasure worth seeking.
Happy Sunday!
I am sorry you are feeling down. I have been having the same difficulties with the pandemic and having had surgery 5 weeks ago and still not feeling like myself. It does help to know I’m not the only one with these feelings! So thank you for this post, it came at just the right time for me.
Amen, Yvonne. We need to cling to Him during this time of uncertainty, knowing that ALL things work together for our good, if we love Him. Praying for you this morning, for God’s comfort and peace. Missing our families is so difficult, especially our grandchildren. Face time is great, but not for snuggling with them.
Oh, Yvonne. You hit the nail on the head with this post. I, too, am an anxious person and these past few months have been very trying. I pray and read God’s word more than ever and I know that staying close to Him is the answer. Good days and bad days, many tears have been shed, but my faith continues to carry me through. Thank you for sharing your feelings. It is good to know others share my feelings during this time. I will keep you in my prayers!
Yvonne, I am so sorry to hear you are feeling anxious at this time. I have been so proud of myself, over these last 5 months, for not feeling anxious. In fact, I was patting myself on the back…which I’ve just learned isn’t the thing I should do. My whole family has been very blessed through out this whole pandemic with continued good health, continued employment for all, homes to shelter in and family that is all close. I thanked God every day for all of these blessings. I normally would be the one with anxiety, but during all of these months I haven’t felt it…until early this week. Nothing has changed for me or my family…everyone is fine, but I woke up with the feeling of doom and it continued all day. After praying about it through out the day, I realized that I needed to pray for a stronger faith. I needed to remember that God has all of this in His hands…not mine! The doom I was feeling was manufactured in my head. I now have returned to a calmer state, knowing that God is in full control.
Dear Sister, how refreshing that you are so honest. You are a faithful and wise woman. I took all kinds of notes from your post of last Sunday. You are in a time of trial and they do not last forever. I am reading “Hind’s Feet on High Places” along with a study guide and it has been such a sweet and edifying time. The Sheperd comments to Much Afraid that she needs to learn more songs/hymns to sing which made me stop and think…when I am singing aloud to the Lord, I am rejoicing. I made a list and got out my hymnal! The joy of the Lord is my strength! It is another way of being in the Word, singing the truth. May you be encouraged this day with the Truth you have have shared with so many in the past. I am so thankful to have a sister like you.
Yvonne,
Beautiful sentiment and blog entry! So touching that I pinned it to my Blessings and Perspectives section on Pinterest so I can reread it from time to time. Not to mention that weepy, short tempered and blue all describe EXACTLY the way I have been and seemingly have lost my sunny disposition. So, your writing was timely and THANK you for the pick me up! Also, I would like to print out the little 5×5 printable (even signed up again), but the link has disappeared. Help.
I, too, have days that I feel quite anxious and weepy. I try to remind myself to trust in God and really focus on Him. Pray and, believe it or not, give thanks, even in times of turmoil. I know that our God is good and He will have victory in the end. Please know that you are not alone in your struggles. We understand.
Take comfort that you are not alone. Like you, I take one step at a time as with stepping stones; we are sometimes afraid to take the next step, but in faith boldly step out.
Our Lord is “a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.”
Blessings
I’m a 3 am gal at times too so I feel your frustration. I’ll be praying for God’s assurance and peace as you navigate the things you have no control over. Blessings!
Yvonne, your message touched my heart. You’re awesome. Thank you for doing God work. I’m so glad God put you in my life. God bless. I will keep you in my prayers.
We are all feeling anxious.. and of course I don’t know what your anxiety is … but I am praying for you. Gid bless you!
Thank you for sharing your feelings. I too have the same feelings some days. When I wake up early, I start praying until I fall back to sleep. Fear is not from God and I remind myself and ask God to take it away. You’re not alone and we can pray for each other and see His love take control!
Hi Yvonne , Thank you for being so open and honest and within that , you are not only encourage others , but also yourself with the word of God . Our mighty weapon ! We are back in lockdown in my state and now have enforced mask wearing when we leave our home . Throughout all of this , I choose to keep my lamp lit and be ever watchful for the Bridegroom . Keep looking up , our Redeemer is close !
Thank you so much for this post ! I can’t express enough how much this is needed at this time.
Yvonne, I LOVE your blog, and social media contributions. From the beauty of your home and posts, you share balance of life. Thank you for your Sunday posts and for sharing your heart. I am thankful I was introduced to your blog and to me you are a celebrity! Thank you for helping your followers get through these challenging times. Stay well and be blessed.
I didn’t receive your post through email yesterday so I came to your site to read it. Don’t know why that happened.
Thank you for the free printable.
If you don’t get an email today let me know! You might have to unsubscribe and then re-subscribe.
This is beautiful, I love your scriptures today, and it really spoke to my troubled heart and ministered to me this morning. God bless you! Thank you so much!
I’m so glad Karen!
Thank you so much for this today. I have been having the same feelings lately. Sometimes it helps to just sit and have a good cry. We all need a reminder that our God is still in control.
Blessings,
Carole
I’m sorry you are going through this difficult time. Being with God is the best thing! Remember it’s the rain that makes the grass greener! Many of us are missing family right now, but I am trying to remember this will pass and God is walking beside each of us all the time. Let’s all pray for each other! Love and hugs to you!
Thank you for this insightful writing at a time when we are all feeling anxious. I agree with you totally about using this time to memorize and stand on the Word of God. We have to focus on the One who can help us – not on the problems.
Sandra Mansfield Wright
sandramansfieldwright.com
“And we know all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28
Thinking of these words, I must say I totally agree! We have been gifted with the best life ever because He knows more than we do and He would never cheat us! However, I have to admit that some parts of life are very, very tough to deal with and accept!.
And a huge hug from Spain, because I had forgotten to say!
Take care!
Charo
Amen, such a wonderful reminder and thank you for sharing today, it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Love this sight and love all you are doing Yuvonne, I always check in with all your tid bits with excitement to express our beauty from the inside out!! Thank you for your heart to serve and help us out here ,just trying to get thru it all!! Love the Lord and Love His people who share.
Roni
California
I look forward to your devotional every Sunday so much. God is using you in such an awesome way! I pray your journey will lift you even higher. God’s blessings, Barb
Thank you Barbara!
This post must be a gift from God sent to me through you! I have been suffering from post concussion syndrome for two months and a damaged neck and broken wrist. The dizziness is the worst and I have been praying for the mercy of relief of that.
Anxiety makes things worse, so the Lord sent me here to get help from you!
I look forward to your posts and read past ones because my memory has trouble committing scripture to mind.
Your posts help us all, but we do need to remember you have problems just like we do, but you still continue to inspire. May God’s Grace and Mercy help you as well.
God bless you Carolynn, I am so sorry! I just prayed for healing and comfort for you.
Know that you are not alone. I suffered from anxiety when my husband passed away suddenly 3 years ago. Faced with going thru 56 years of our lives, handling finances, buying and selling a house was overwhelming.
By the grace of God, prayers, love and support from family and friends, I have managed to adjust to this new life.
Sending you prayers, love and BIG hugs, Yvonne.
Peace Be With You.
Susan
God bless you Susan!
What an encouragement! Thank you! Just reading this makes me feel more peaceful. I love these verses too.
I’m so glad. God wants us to live a life being less anxious and trusting in Him!