Overcoming Anxiety with God
Are you ready for an interesting fact about overcoming anxiety with God? Philippians 4:6-7 is one of the most searched Bible verses online.
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
This shouldn’t surprise us since anxiety plagues about 40 million adults in the U.S. alone. It’s the most common mental health issue out there.
This article will not give you a list of Bible verses about anxiety that you can memorize and chant every time you feel anxious. That’s what I used to do and wondered why I still felt anxious.
This article is going to explain how God’s Word actually speaks to our fears. My prayer is that you will gain a better understanding of how to overcome fear with faith. In other words, how to overcome anxiety with God.
Anxiety, Fear & Worry
If you stand back and look at anxiety and fear, it seems like the common element is the “unknown”… The prediction of danger.
Our brains hate the unknown. We prefer to know what will happen next. As a result, we fill in the gaps of missing information with our own version of what might happen in the missing gap (the unknown). In that gap we predict danger.
When our thoughts predict danger – we feel scared…
For instance, I was asked to speak on a topic that elicits strong opinions. Additionally, the audience was quite divided. Not sure of how my presentation would be received, I started to imagine the worst. It never occurred to me that the information would be well received. I didn’t imagine the positive, I only imagined the negative. (Why don’t we ever get scared of the positive possibilities?!) As a result, fear grew.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
When we overcome fear with faith we are aware of the gaps of missing information, but still have confidence in something or someone bigger. That’s how you overcome anxiety with God.
It’s so important to know the Scriptures, but believing the Truth in the Bible is where something powerful happens. That is how we overcome fear with faith. In other words, the more you are in the Word, the more your faith grows and the easier it is to overcome anxiety with God.
Anxiety: The Struggle is Real
When we predict danger, we will predict both rational and irrational outcomes. Our fears or prediction of danger might actually be realized. In other words, it could really happen. I don’t need to tell you we live in a broken world where bad things happen. Jesus already said that…
“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.” John 16:33
Overcoming Anxiety with God
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when the disciples are in their fishing boat on the sea of Galilee. Jesus walks on water toward them. He calls Peter out of the boat. And now they are both walking on water. Until…
Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and puts them on the storm. I’m assuming he started filling in the gaps. He started predicting danger.
There is no disputing that we all have storms to face. The antidote is to put our eyes on God (Hebrews 12:2) and His attributes. When winds and waters change, security comes from faith in the One who is unchanging.
When we put our faith in things that can change (health, success, relationships, etc.) we will get that sinking feeling that Peter had. Overcoming fear with faith means trusting the One who doesn’t change.
How to Get More Faith and Overcome Fear
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17
Scripture is very clear – faith comes by hearing the Word. Renewing your mind in the Word of God (Romans 12:2) will change you from the inside out (Hebrews 4:12). I’m not saying it’s the only way, but it is a powerful way.
Any time in God’s Word, is effectively renewing your mind. He promises that His Word does not return void to Him (Isaiah 55:11). However, when I want to overcome anxiety with God, I meditate on His attributes. I literally fix my eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2) rather than focus on my fear.
Know this – whatever you put your mind to will grow. When my fear and anxiety run high, it means I’m putting my mind on the fear. I’ve taken my eyes off the One who holds the whole world in His hands.
This becomes my red flag. I become aware I must overcome anxiety with God. As I meditate on His attributes, my fear shrinks and my faith grows. In other words, I overcome fear with faith.
Below, is a short list of the attributes of God that help me when I’m feeling fearful, anxious or overcome with worry.
Attributes of God to Crushing Anxiety
God is Sovereign
Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. Psalm 115:3
God is Protector
Say to those with fearful hearts, “be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Isaiah 35:4
God is Gracious
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace… Ephesians 1:7
God is Unchanging
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
God is Deliverer
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
God is Wise
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Romans 11:33
God is Healer
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Wrapping Up: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety with God and Faith
God commands us to not be afraid (Joshua 1:9). He never calls us to do anything we are not equipped to do (Hebrews 13:20-21). Anxiety and fear are real emotions. Consequently, so is the power of God and faith in the midst of fear. He tells us to be strong and courageous and follows with the promise of His presence. He. Is. Enough. Fear and anxiety will still come up, but now we will become increasingly effective to face it!
Get the free download of the attributes of God to begin renewing your mind to day!
This list is also inside the “How to Stop Feeling Anxious” workbook below.
These are inspiring and powerful truths you’ve shared with us, Sunshyne! Thanks for this! I’ll be pinning!
Thank you, Beth!
I was just telling my oldest about all the outrageous fears I lived with as a child and took into my adulthood. It was really incredible to sit back and see how God has really changed me. The closer I get to Him, the really, truly less anxious I feel….and the more I can really embrace that God’s got me in everything. Cause, really, what it all comes down to anxiety stems from a lack of trust in Him. Such great truths you speak here!!
Hi Melissa, Thank you for taking the time to share- you hit the nail on the head…”God has really changed me”. My experience is the same-the closer I get to God and keep my eyes fixed on Him, the less anxious I feel!
This is me!
‘Know this – whatever you put your mind to will grow. When my fear and anxiety run high, it means I’m putting my mind on the fear. I’ve taken my eyes off the One who holds the whole world in His hands.’
I CAN overcome anxiety with God alone!
Hi Aryn! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts:)
[…] Overcoming Anxiety with God […]
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so great to have a teaching on anxiety that doesn’t minimise the battle, that doesn’t blame us for not trusting God, but explains a bit about the psychology behind it (filling in the gaps!) and provides Biblical tools for helping to stay grounded in Truth. Thankyou! God bless, Helen (Australia).