3 Steps to Hand Your Anxiety Over to God
Spiritual Life
Audio By Carbonatix
11:00 AM on Thursday, February 19
By Vivian Bricker, Spiritual Life
I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) many years ago, and it gave me a lot of validation for my recurring bouts of panic, anxiety, and stress. While mental health can be seen as a taboo subject within Christian circles, it shouldn’t be. Mental health struggles are valid, and they require proper treatment, support, and help. If you are suffering from anxiety today, know that you are not alone.
Anxiety has become increasingly common in our modern world due to technology, stress, and the fast-paced culture we live in. The Anxiety and Depression Association reports that 6.8 million adults in the United States struggle with generalized anxiety disorder. If you are one of these individuals, know that there is treatment and help in the form of doctors, medicine, and therapists.
God can help us with our anxiety, yet we do not need to overlook the blessings He has already given us. Doctors are here to help us, and sometimes our prayers can be answered by going to see one. In the same way, anti-anxiety medicine can be a lifesaver and help us manage our anxiety. Don’t continue suffering without seeking treatment—there is help available.
1. Trust God with the Anxiety
The Lord tells us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34). Within context, the Lord was telling His disciples not to worry about food, clothes, or shelter as the Father would provide all these things. What we need to concern ourselves with is seeking His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34).
Just as God clothes the grass of the field, so will He clothe us. In the same way, just as He provides food and shelter for the birds of the air, He will provide food and clothing for us. God cares about us more than we know and we don’t need to doubt Him. Rather than worrying, God wants us to focus on the present day, seek out His kingdom, and follow Him.
Oftentimes, we get stressed over things that haven’t even happened yet. In truth, most of the things we worry about never even happen. Instead of stressing ourselves out with “what if” scenarios, we need to take each day as it comes. Choose to focus on today and trust God with your anxiety. Hand all of your anxiety, stress, and concerns over to Him, and He will carry them.
The things that stress us out don't stress God out. He is in control of all things, and everything submits to Him. Trust in the Lord and know that He will work everything out for His good. Don’t feed into the lies of anxiety, which says everything is doomed. Listen to the gentle voice of God and rely on Him.
Challenge Questions:
- How can you trust God with your anxiety?
- Do you trust God to provide for you as we are told in Matthew 6:25-34? Why or why not?
- Anxiety can be overpowering at times. How would your life look different if you chose to give the anxiety over to God rather than holding onto it?
2. Give Matters Over to God
Once you have chosen to trust God with your anxiety, you can begin handing it over to Him. Sometimes we cling to our anxieties because they give us a false sense of control. Instead of holding onto that illusion, we need to surrender those feelings to God.
None of us are meant to carry our burdens alone. The Lord can help us carry these burdens, and they will never cause Him to grow weary. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Give all of your anxieties to Him. You will find rest for your soul as you bring your difficult feelings to Jesus. Anxiety can make us feel as though we are drowning and without hope, but that is not the truth. The Lord does not want us to carry this weight alone.
Trust Him and place these anxieties in His hands—you won’t regret it. His peace will begin to fill your heart, and you will find comfort in His love.
Challenge Questions:
- What burdens will you hand over to Him today?
- How do you feel after giving these hard feelings to Him?
- Anxiety weighs us down. God gives us peace. How can you lean into God’s peace today?
3. Seek God Out in Prayer
Whenever I start feeling anxious, I immediately go to God in prayer. The stress and uneasiness I experience before an anxiety attack drive me straight to the feet of Jesus. When you begin feeling anxious, make it a priority to seek God in prayer. Be honest with Him. Tell Him exactly what you’re feeling.
Sometimes we think what’s causing our anxiety is silly or insignificant—but it’s not. And God does not see it as silly either.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). God cares about every anxious thought you have—never doubt that truth. Others in our lives may have dismissed or misunderstood our struggles, but God never will. He sees all of our pain, and He understands. Give every worry and fear to the Lord. He will carry them for you.
Go to Him in prayer today and talk openly about how you are feeling. Don’t be afraid to be raw and honest. As you seek Him in prayer, don’t neglect spending time with Him in His Word. The Bible offers deep comfort and guidance for anxious hearts.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “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.” As Paul tells us, we need to present our requests before God. With a heart of thanksgiving and praise, we can go to Him and find relief.
After we come to God in prayer, give Him our anxieties, and trust Him with our hearts, His peace will wash over us. Not only that, but He will also guard our hearts and our minds. Allow the peace of the Lord to fill your heart today. Don’t give anxiety control over your life. Jesus is Lord, and He will help you in this struggle.
Every time anxiety comes into your heart, talk back to it with Scripture. Remind yourself of Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and Matthew 11:28-30. Memorize these passages if you find that helpful. If memorization feels difficult, write them down in your phone or in a notebook you use often so you can return to them easily.
The key is to keep Jesus as the focus of your life—not anxiety. Anxiety will rule over our hearts and minds if we allow it. We have to keep focusing on Jesus, trusting Him, and handing these feelings over to Him. As we do this, our anxiety may begin to improve. It might not disappear entirely, but we will know exactly where to turn when it surfaces.
God is our good, good Father, and He will give us relief from our anxious thoughts. Jesus Himself tells us He will also give us peace: “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” (John 14:27). Trust in the peace of Jesus and relinquish control of these thoughts over to Him.
Challenge Questions:
- Will you cast your anxieties on God today? Why or why not?
- How will you utilize Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and Matthew 11:28-30 in your life this week?
- God can give us relief from these anxious thoughts. All we have to do is turn to Him. What are some practical ways you can to turn to Him throughout your day? Will you be willing to continue to cultivate your relationship with Him? Why or why not?
Pray with me: Dear God, I’m handing all of my anxiety over to You today. Please bless me with Your comfort, peace, and love. I’m tired of being anxious and afraid all of the time. Help me to live in a state of freedom rather than in a state of anxiety and fear. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/doidam10
Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.
