How to experience God’s peace when you’re anxious?

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. We all have different experiences that trigger feelings of unease, worry, or fear. While a little anxiety is fine, taking it to a prolonged level may cause serious health problems, disrupt daily living, and disturb our peace.

Social media, over-demanding work situations, life goals, financial and relationship problems, health issues, loss, trauma, and abuse can create a mountain of anxiety. How can we have peace when there is pressure from every direction? How can we tackle the various forms of anxiety in our life?

Scripture

The bible is full of scriptures that can address our anxious hearts in helpful ways. Proverbs 12:25 has this straightforward message: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.” Clearly, we need a good word to enlighten us and lift our spirit when anxiety drags us down. Inspired by this passage, we are going to share with you five (5) bible verses to help you combat worry and fear.

“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Is it possible not to be anxious when the world gives us plenty of reasons to worry about? Being anxious is normal in our human condition. However, Paul reminds us not to succumb to anxiety; rather, pray. He poses the power of prayer to counter anxiety, inviting us to bring our worries and concerns, with gratitude, to God.

“Leave all your worries with Him because He cares for you.” (GNT)

1 Peter 5:7

God cares for us, a comforting bible verse. This tells us exactly what to do with our fears and worries. Handing them over to God is a way of humbling ourselves under His mighty hand and believing in His power. We can talk to Him about the things we fear and worry about, then ask Him to guide us on how to handle these things.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

One of our favorite passages in the bible, an uplifting verse to recite regularly. However, this is not an assurance that God will support us in whatever impossible things we decide to do. It does not mean that we will never fail, suffer or feel pain; rather, Christ will give us strength to bear whatever burden our life’s situation may have. This verse reminds us that whether we are rich or poor, successful or have failed, we find peace and joy no matter what our circumstances are.

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“Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” (GNT)

Joshua 1:9

In the bible, God tells us many times not to be afraid because the devil deceives us with fear and discouragement. To overcome this deceitful strategy of the devil, we have to place our trust in God. He promised to be with us wherever we go, so He commanded us to be strong and courageous.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”

John 14:27

Peace – Jesus’ gift to us. In this world, problems, difficulties, and disagreements will never disappear. But Christ promised us His presence in our storms, to strengthen, guide, inspire and comfort us. God sends a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to bless us with His peace.

Surrender

Jesus knows our pain and sees what’s inside our anxious hearts. He knows how it feels to struggle with fear and anxiety. Remember His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing His death was near, distress, anguish, and great sorrow almost crushed Him. But Jesus triumphantly surrendered His will to the Father.

Following Jesus, let us combat anxiety by surrendering our will to God. This is not a one-step process to take, but God will gradually transform our hearts through our desire and willingness to allow Him to take over. Then, we will find hope, experience God’s peace, and rest in His love.