The alarm clock rings. As soon as you open your eyes, you already feel overwhelmed. Everything seems to be rushing at you: the morning routine, the children, traffic, constant notifications, deadlines that must be met. Add to that any unexpected situation, like a sick child, a broken-down car or an unexpected bill. It’s getting harder and harder to stay calm.
That’s when creeping thoughts start coming. What if I can’t keep my house because of inflation? What if I lose my job? What if the current political and economic climate worsens? Right now, many Canadians are feeling a heavy sense of uncertainty. The news is full of political tensions, wars and climate disasters. The world is rife with anxiety-inducing problems. It’s only logical to wonder how we can live in peace surrounded by such uncertainty and apprehension.
But anxiety is not a recent phenomenon. In the Bible, men and women of faith are grappling with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. From David, who is fleeing Saul, to Paul, who is imprisoned in Rome, the Scriptures are filled with stories of people facing overwhelming situations. Through these stories, God’s message is consistent: “Do not fear.” More than 300 times in the Bible, God tells his people not to be afraid. This is not mere poetic repetition; it is a powerful reminder that God knows our struggles and wants to meet us in the midst of our anxiety.
As believers, we are sometimes embarrassed or ashamed to feel anxious. We may even be inclined to hide our anxiety. But acknowledging that we are anxious or worried is the first step toward change. Throughout the Bible, God not only gives us promises; he also provided practical ways to deal with anxiety.
Here are some concrete suggestions:
1. Start the day by laying your burdens before God
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
Rather than jumping into the whirlwind as soon as you wake up, take a moment to pause. We sometimes mistakenly think we are too busy to pray, but the opposite is true: we are too busy not to pray! Even five minutes is enough. Open your Bible. Talk to God. Tell him what is weighing on your heart. This intentional pause can become an anchor during instability.
2. Fill your mind with truth
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Anxiety often arises from thoughts that we let enter our minds. The enemy loves to sow doubt, fear and “what ifs.” Whenever you find yourself caught in a web of worry, take a moment to stop and ask yourself what you are allowing into your mind. Find a way, whether through worship music, verses posted around your home, uplifting podcasts, or time spent in the Word and in prayer, to feed your mind with what God says.
3. Live in the moment
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
Anxiety has us worrying about things that have not yet happened and may never happen. God wants to remind you that he is with you today to face your day. Each day, he gives you the grace you need for what lies ahead.
4. Surround yourself with other Christians
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NIV)
Anxiety loves isolation and pushes us to withdraw. Yet the Bible reminds us that we are one body, one family. Don’t carry your burdens alone. Call a friend, open your heart to your prayer group and ask your church for support. Sometimes peace comes through another believer as they pray for us.
5. Trust God… one step at a time
As you choose to surrender control to your heavenly Father, your trust in him will grow. This doesn’t mean denying reality or never seeking professional help, but as you walk with God, believing that he is faithful and that he provides, your uncertainty will fade and your faith will grow.
Anxiety is part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to have the last word. Jesus is our refuge, our rock, our anchor and our peace that surpasses all understanding. God remains steadfast even when outside circumstances are uncertain. We might not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the one who holds tomorrow in his hands.
