Finding Rest in Jesus: A Reflection on Matthew 11:28

My battle with anxiety didn’t surface until I started serving as a youth pastor in 2012. I walked into that season full of energy and passion, ready to serve God and pour into the lives of teenagers. But soon, panic attacks began appearing out of nowhere, and irrational fears started to take hold. There were times I truly felt like I was dying, as if my body and mind were betraying me. I tried medicine, hoping it would help—but it didn’t. In fact, it only made things worse. My wife, seeing how much it was affecting me, ended up flushing it down the toilet. What she did next changed everything. Scripture as a Lifeline She began writing Scripture on index cards and placing them all throughout the house—on the bathroom mirror, the kitchen counter, the bedroom dresser—places I went often. Each card was a gentle reminder of who God is, His faithfulness, and His promises. I started meditating on verses like 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.” Or Isaiah 41:10: “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.” The more I paused to meditate on God’s Word, the more I found myself finding peace in God’s Word during anxiety . It was a peace that didn’t make sense from a worldly perspective. Anxiety didn’t disappear overnight, but its grip on me began to fade. How to Surrender Anxiety to God What I’ve learned is that surrender is the key. Anxiety and irrational fear haven’t gone away—they still show up—but now I have a choice in the moment. I can hand my fear over to God and say, “Lord, I trust You with this, even if I don’t understand it right now.” That’s the first step in learning how to surrender anxiety to God . When I do, His peace fills the gaps anxiety leaves behind. Instead of letting fear dictate my thoughts and actions, I use it as a signal to pause, pray, and meditate on Scripture. Surrender doesn’t mean I never struggle—it means I refuse to face it alone. Trusting God When You Feel Anxious Anxiety thrives on control—our desire to manage every outcome. But real freedom comes from trusting God when you feel anxious . It’s choosing to believe His promises even when your circumstances scream otherwise. For me, this has meant turning anxious thoughts into prayers, speaking Scripture out loud, and reminding myself that God’s strength is greater than my fear. Trust isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily practice. Your Turn to Experience Peace  If you’re walking through anxiety or fear, know this: God’s Word is alive and powerful. His promises are true, and He meets us exactly where we are. Start small: write a few verses on cards, place them where you’ll see them, and let them speak to your heart. Meditate on them. Pray through them. Let His truth sink in. Over time, you’ll discover that finding peace in God’s Word during anxiety is more than possible—it’s God’s gift. You’ll learn how to surrender anxiety to God in the moment, and you’ll grow in trusting God when you feel anxious about the future. Remember: anxiety doesn’t define you—God does. Surrender your fears to Him today, and let His Word guide you to peace that lasts.

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