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.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NIV) As a parent, I often catch myself saying, “I’m tired” far more than I ever expected. I’m a father of four energetic boys under the age of 10, which means our home is full of noise, movement, and endless activity. In this season of parenting, Matthew 11:28 has taken on a deeper meaning for me. I know what it is to feel weary—and I know the only true rest comes from Jesus. What Kind of Rest Does Jesus Offer? This verse isn’t simply about catching up on sleep. Jesus offers something greater: soul rest. His rest is a peace that quiets the noise within, even when life outside feels chaotic. A nap can refresh the body, but only Jesus can refresh the soul. Bringing Our Burdens to Jesus When we bring Him our exhaustion—whether from parenting, work, or daily responsibilities—He doesn’t just lighten our load. He gives us Himself. His presence restores us in a way nothing else can. An Invitation for the Weary If you’re feeling weighed down today—by family, career, or simply the pressures of life—hear the invitation of Matthew 11:28. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Come to Jesus. Sit with Him. Receive His peace. Let Him give you rest that truly restores. Prayer for Rest Jesus, I bring You my tiredness, my worries, and my burdens. Thank You for inviting me to come close and find rest in You. Refresh my soul today. Amen.
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