Trying to Trust Through Anxiety

I struggle with anxiety. There are times when my anxiety gets to me and
keeps me from being at peace. I can pray in those times and feel like it’s
not helping at all.

.

As Christians, sometimes we are made to feel bad for having anxiety. Aren’t
we supposed to trust that God will take care of everything and just feel at
peace? Well, for some of us, that is not always possible. Mental health
issues are real issues, and they can significantly impact how we are
feeling.

.

When I’m feeling anxious—and praying and reading the Bible and trying to
feel God’s presence isn’t working for me—I remind myself that just trying
to trust God and turn to Him for help is “good enough.” God sees that I
want to trust Him, and He doesn’t reject me (Romans 8:26-27). He is not
judging me for feeling anxious. We can rest in true faith even as we
experience anxiety.

.

God knows that we can’t always control the way we are feeling. God is
patient with us when our anxiety keeps us from fully trusting Him to work
all things for His good purpose, even when things don’t turn out the way we
want them to (Romans 8:28). Nothing—not even anxiety—can separate us from
God’s love for us (Romans 8:38-39). • Emily Acker

.

• When do you feel anxious? Are there especially hard times in your life
when you find it difficult to trust God with all that’s going on?

.

• Read Mark 14:32-34, John 11:35, and Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus—who is fully
human and fully God—feels emotions. How can this truth comfort us during
times of anxiety or other strong and difficult feelings?

.

• If you are experiencing anxiety, who are some trusted people in your life
you can talk to—such as counselors, parents, pastors, or teachers?

.

• If you are experiencing anxiety and you need someone to talk to, you can
set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with
a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service.
In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your
appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
(Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

.

Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. Psalm 71:12
(NIV)

Read Verses:

Psalm 118:5-Psalm 118:9; Romans 8:26-Romans 8:28; Romans 8:38-Romans 8:39; Psalm 71:12