Feeling Anxious? Find Calm in Scripture. Download Abide for Christian meditations that guide you with God’s Word and calming techniques.
My mind wouldn’t shut down as I grew anxious about the event I was hosting the next day at my church. As I crawled into bed, I knew I didn’t want to be tossing and turning all night. I had to be up early the next morning so I had no patience for insomnia! I needed a win over worry about this event and the short talk I would be giving.
Breathing deeply to steady my heart rate and relax my body, I quoted a familiar Bible verse: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” This verse from Isaiah 26 became my breath prayer that night. Each time I inhaled I would say in my mind, “You keep him in perfect peace,” and when I exhaled I said, “whose mind is stayed on you.”
Every time another anxious thought about the next day would try to intrude, I pulled my mind back to my breath and to Isaiah 26:3 and again breathed deeply while reciting the verse. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep, trusting that God would guide my tomorrow.
Worry vs. Anxiety
It’s important upfront to make a distinction between worry and anxiety. According to Psychology Today’s website, we tend to experience worry more in our heads, while we experience anxiety throughout our body. Worry tends to be specific, where anxiety is diffuse. If you’re worried about something, you will often try to come up with a solution for the thing that worries you. Anxiety doesn’t usually let you work on a solution. Often, you can control worry by redirecting your thoughts or talking yourself through it. But anxiety can be triggered suddenly and is often uncontrollable.
If you’re struggling with severe anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. While incorporating Bible verses and helpful techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation can be effective ways to manage anxiety, severe symptoms may require additional support and treatment from a licensed professional.
But worry is another matter. As a person of faith, you have access to powerful tools that can help you win over worry. Incorporating Scripture into your daily life can make a significant difference in managing worry, like it did for me the night before my church event.
Apply Scripture to Win Over Worry
Luke 12:25-26 reminds us that worry has no value: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” This is an important message to keep in mind when you’re feeling worried. Worrying doesn’t change anything, and it only serves to make you feel worse.
Listen to the short version of this Abide guided meditation on Luke 12:25-26 to see how an audio meditation can help you combat worry.
One effective way to win over worry is to turn to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to “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 we bring our worries to God, we can experience a sense of calm and reassurance that things will work out as they should.
In Joshua 1:9, God tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” When you find yourself overwhelmed by worry, remind yourself of this promise. You are not alone, and you have the strength and courage to face whatever comes your way.
Regain Calm and Control
Another way to manage worry is to practice deep breathing exercises and Scripture meditation. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath and clear your mind can help you regain a sense of control and calm. This is a technique I often use, especially when I’m trying to fall asleep.
In John 14:26-27 Jesus says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 Holy Spirit is a powerful source of comfort and strength, and we can rely on it when we’re feeling anxious about something specific.
In addition, focusing on positive thinking and gratitude can help shift your perspective away from your worries. Isaiah 26:3-4, the verse I repeated in my breath prayer, reminds us that “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” When we make a conscious effort to turn our thoughts toward God and cultivate a mindset of trust and positivity, we can find peace even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
To help you get started on your journey toward winning over worry, download the Abide app. Abide offers guided Christian meditations focused on finding peace and rest. The 5-step Abide guide “Fighting Anxiety” is particularly helpful when worry takes over your mind. You can get access to content like this with a premium subscription. Click here for 25% off.
With these tools and techniques, you can win over worry and experience a greater sense of calm and well-being in your daily life.
