I am a Christian that suffers from anxiety.
This sentence isn’t something that automatically makes you a bad Christian, and it shouldn’t cause you to question your faith. It’s absolutely understandable to grow anxious and weary throughout this time we have on Earth--we wouldn’t be Christians if we were put on this Earth perfect. We wouldn’t have needed His blood at the cross if we were perfect.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
Ephesians 2:8
I suffer from anxiety. At times it is worse than others, but as I’ve grown stronger in my faith my anxiety has gone down immensely and I haven’t had an anxiety attack in six months! There was one point in time where I had an attack twice a month and needed to be medicated for those attacks. I woke up one day and I realized that I needed to search inside of myself to understand where these attacks came from.
I realized where they came from, so I cut that root. I prayed and I put it to rest because I understood that no matter my past, I am His child and I am a daughter of a loving King. Not until I understood that He was my father was I able to put my anxiety at peace, and I haven’t lived this happy in a very long time.
With this being said, I wanted to offer some verses that helped me through the very difficult time of getting over my anxiety and making those small steps to conquer my struggles. I’m not saying that following Christ and praying to Him constantly will magically make all of your anxiety disappear; there are moments when my anxiety comes back and hits me like a wave. However, the only time I am able to control those waves of emotion are when I remember what my Heavenly Father has told me through His word.
1. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
3. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
4. Cast they burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
5. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8
I hope these verses help you like they’ve helped me with my anxiety. But lastly, I’d like to encourage you as a Christian to always remember that a kind word could help someone immensely with anxiety.
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12:25