Dealing With Anxiety and Worry

Anxiety is real—and as believers, we’re not immune to it. But God didn’t create us to live in a constant state of fear. He invites us into His peace.

In this episode, we explore how to navigate anxiety and worry through the truth of Scripture and the power of God’s presence. You’ll learn how to replace fear with faith, set your mind on God’s promises, and take practical, Spirit-led steps toward peace.

We cover:

• What Jesus said about worry in Matthew 6
• How to cast your anxiety on God (1 Peter 5:7)
• Ways to shift from “What if?” thinking to “God will” faith
• Biblical strategies for finding peace when life feels overwhelming
• How to surrender control and trust God with what’s unknown

If anxiety has been weighing you down, this episode will encourage you to breathe deep, release the burden, and rest in God’s peace that surpasses understanding.

Transcript

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re talking about something that so many of us struggle with—anxiety and worry.

Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed by thoughts of the future. Maybe stress and fear keep you up at night. Maybe you’ve prayed for peace, but the anxiety still lingers.

The truth is, anxiety is a very real battle, and even as believers, we are not immune to it. But here’s the good news—God’s Word speaks directly to our worries. He doesn’t just tell us to “stop worrying” and move on—He gives us promises, tools, and His presence to help us overcome fear and find true peace.

So today, we’re going to talk about:

• What the Bible says about anxiety and worry.

• How to replace fear with faith.

• Practical ways to find God’s peace in stressful seasons.

Because God never intended for us to live in a constant state of fear—He calls us to live in His perfect peace.

1. What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?

First, let’s acknowledge that anxiety is real. It’s not just about “worrying too much”—it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and sometimes even paralyzing.

But the Bible reminds us that:

• God sees our anxiety.

• He cares about our struggles.

• And He promises to help us through it.

1. God Commands Us Not to Worry

Jesus Himself spoke about worry in Matthew 6:25-27:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Jesus isn’t saying that our struggles aren’t real—He’s saying that worrying won’t fix them. Instead, He reminds us that if God takes care of even the birds, how much more will He take care of us?

2. Anxiety Is a Burden We’re Not Meant to Carry

1 Peter 5:7 says:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

God doesn’t want us to carry anxiety—He wants us to release it to Him.

Practical Step:

• When anxiety creeps in, pause and pray. Say, “God, I give this burden to You. I trust You with it.”

2. Replacing Fear With Faith

Anxiety thrives when we focus on what could go wrong. Faith grows when we focus on God’s promises instead of our problems.

Isaiah 41:10 says:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This verse reminds us that:

• We are never alone. God is with us in every anxious moment.

• God gives us strength. When we feel weak, He upholds us.

How to Shift Your Focus From Fear to Faith

1. Replace “What If?” With “God Will.”

• Instead of “What if I fail?” → Say, “God will guide me.”

• Instead of “What if things don’t work out?” → Say, “God will provide for me.”

2. Memorize Scripture to Combat Anxiety.

• Write down verses like Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 41:10 and read them when you feel overwhelmed.

3. Speak God’s Promises Out Loud.

• Your words shape your mindset. Speak faith, not fear.

3. Practical Ways to Find Peace in Stressful Seasons

When life feels overwhelming, here are some biblical and practical steps to fight anxiety:

1. Turn to Prayer Instead of Panic

Philippians 4:6-7 says:

“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.”

• When anxiety hits, pause and pray.

• Tell God exactly how you feel. He already knows, and He cares.

• Thank Him in advance for His peace.

Practical Step:

• Start a prayer journal where you write down your worries and surrender them to God.

2. Fill Your Mind With God’s Truth

What we focus on determines our peace.

Isaiah 26:3 says:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

If we constantly feed our minds with news, negativity, and worst-case scenarios, our anxiety will grow.

Instead, we need to fill our minds with:

✔ God’s Word – Read a Psalm or passage when you feel anxious.

✔ Worship – Play songs that remind you of God’s presence.

✔ Encouraging Conversations – Surround yourself with people who speak life, not fear.

Practical Step:

• Create an “Anxiety-Fighting” playlist with worship songs that bring you peace.

3. Take Care of Your Body & Mind

Sometimes, anxiety is worsened by neglecting our physical and emotional well-being.

• Get Enough Rest – Lack of sleep can make stress worse.

• Limit Caffeine & Sugar – These can trigger anxiety.

• Move Your Body – Exercise releases stress and helps clear your mind.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?”

Taking care of your body is a spiritual act of worship.

Practical Step:

• Try deep breathing, going for a walk, or journaling your thoughts when you feel anxious.

4. Surrender Control & Trust God’s Plan

A lot of anxiety comes from wanting control. We stress over things that are out of our hands.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

We don’t have to have all the answers—we just need to trust the One who does.

Practical Step:

• When anxiety creeps in, ask yourself: “Is this something I can control, or do I need to trust God with it?”

5. The Peace That Comes From Trusting God

At the end of the day, anxiety loses its power when we trust in God’s goodness.

Jesus didn’t promise that life would be easy, but He did promise His peace.

John 14:27 says:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The world offers temporary relief, but Jesus offers real peace.

So today, ask yourself:

• What anxieties do I need to surrender to God?

• Am I focusing on fear or faith?

• How can I fill my heart with God’s peace instead of worry?

Because when we choose faith over fear, we step into the life of peace God has promised us.

I hope today’s episode encouraged you to surrender your worries and trust in God’s peace. If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who might need the same reminder.

Until next time, keep seeking Him, keep trusting Him, and remember—God’s peace is greater than any anxiety you may face.