Don't be Anxious

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, depression, or trauma, chances are someone has told you, “Don’t be anxious—just trust God!” While meant to encourage, this phrase can sometimes feel dismissive. It can make you wonder, Does my anxiety mean I don’t have enough faith? Am I failing as a Christian?

The truth is, trusting God and struggling with anxiety are not mutually exclusive. Many faithful believers have wrestled with fear, worry, and overwhelming emotions—including some of the most well-known figures in the Bible.

So how can we hold onto faith while also acknowledging the reality of mental and emotional struggles? Let’s take a deeper look.

The Challenge: When Faith and Mental Health Feel at Odds

For many, anxiety feels like a battle between mind and spirit. You want to trust God, but the fear won’t go away. When anxiety is treated as a lack of faith, it can add guilt and shame to an already difficult struggle.

Yet, Scripture never condemns those who wrestle with fear. In fact, the Bible is filled with raw, honest cries for help:

“Give your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, MSG)

Rather than dismissing anxiety, God invites us to bring it to Him.

A New Approach: Faith and Mental Health Working Together

Instead of seeing anxiety as a failure of faith, we can approach it as an opportunity to grow in trust while also addressing our mental and emotional needs.

1. Acknowledge the Struggle (Without Shame)

Jesus Himself experienced deep emotional distress. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He was overwhelmed to the point of sweating blood. He didn’t pretend everything was fine—He poured out His heart to the Father.

If Jesus, the Son of God, experienced anguish, we can too. Anxiety does not mean you’re weak or faithless—it means you’re human.

2. Invite God Into the Process

Rather than seeing anxiety as something to hide from God, let it be something you bring to Him. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us:

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.” (MSG)

This doesn’t mean anxiety will instantly disappear, but it does mean we have a safe place to bring our fears.

3. Take Practical Steps Toward Healing

Faith is not passive—it calls us to action. If you struggle with anxiety, here are a few practical steps to help you build trust in God while also caring for your mental health:

• Seek Wise Counsel – Proverbs 11:14 says, “Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” Talking to a Christian counsellor or mentor can provide guidance and support.

• Practice Grounding Techniques – Breathing exercises, journaling, and spending time in nature can help calm your mind and body.

• Find Strength in Scripture – Meditate on verses that remind you of God’s presence, like Isaiah 41:10: “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.” (MSG)

• Connect with Community – Anxiety can feel isolating, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you.

4. Remember That Healing Takes Time

Just as physical wounds take time to heal, so do emotional and mental struggles. God is patient with us, and we should be patient with ourselves too.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us: “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” (MSG)

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re struggling with anxiety, you are not alone. God sees you, He cares for you, and He has placed people in your life to support you. Our online counselling services provide a safe, faith-based space where you can process your emotions, find clarity, and take steps toward peace.

Trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring anxiety—it means inviting Him into it. Step by step, with faith and the right support, you can find peace again.

If this resonates with you, reach out for online counselling support today. You are not alone in this journey.