Anxiety is a silent storm that often rages within us, shaking our confidence, peace, and trust. It comes unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, robbing us of joy and leaving us in fear. But as believers, we must ask ourselves: Where does anxiety come from? Why do we get anxious, and how do we rise above it?
Let’s take a journey into God’s Word to uncover these answers and find peace for our restless hearts.
Where Does Anxiety Come From?
At its root, anxiety often stems from fear of the unknown — a fear that things won’t work out, that we are not in control, or that we will be harmed in some way. This fear is not new. In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God out of fear. The moment sin entered the world, fear and anxiety followed.
But fear was never part of God’s original design for us. He created us to walk in peace, trusting in His love and provision. Anxiety comes when we take our eyes off God and focus on our circumstances instead. The enemy whispers lies that magnify our problems, making us forget God’s promises.
Why Do We Get Anxious?
We get anxious because we’re human. Life is full of uncertainties — financial struggles, health challenges, relationship issues, and so much more. In moments of uncertainty, we often rely on our limited strength rather than God’s unlimited power.
Anxiety creeps in when we try to control what is beyond our control. But the truth is, we are not called to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. That’s God’s job. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
When we forget to rest in God's sovereignty, we start to panic. We worry about things that may never happen. But Jesus invites us to hand over our worries and burdens to Him, saying:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28
How Do We Get Over It?
The Bible provides a clear antidote to anxiety — trust in God. But how do we practically do this when life feels overwhelming?
1. Surrender Your Worries in Prayer:
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 knocks, don’t answer with fear. Answer with prayer. Pour out your heart to God. Lay your burdens at His feet, and trust that He cares deeply for you.
2. Meditate on God’s Promises:
Anxiety thrives when we focus on the wrong things. Instead, fix your eyes on God's Word.
Isaiah 26:3 says:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."
Make it a habit to remind yourself of God’s promises. Write down verses about peace and read them daily. Let His truth rehabilitate the lies of fear.
3. Take One Day at a Time
Jesus taught us to pray for "daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), reminding us that we only need to focus on today. Don’t borrow tomorrow’s troubles. Handle today’s challenges with faith, and leave tomorrow in God’s hands.
4. Trust God's Plan
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
When we trust God’s plan, we release the need to control everything. We rest in the assurance that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Even when life doesn’t make sense, we trust that God is in control.
Final Thoughts: Faith Over Fear
Anxiety may come knocking, but faith keeps the door locked. As Christians, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith reminds us that no matter how stormy life gets, Jesus is in the boat with us, and He can calm any storm with a single word.
So, when anxiety whispers, “What if?”
Let your faith respond, “Even if… God is still in control.”
Take heart, dear friend. The same God who holds the universe in place holds you too. Peace is possible when you keep your eyes on Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
You are never alone in your struggles — God is with you.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
