When Anxiety Grips Your Heart: God’s Truth Will Set You Free
If you’ve found yourself reading these words, I want you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath. I know that crushing weight of anxiety—the racing thoughts that seem to spin out of control, the tightness in your chest, the feeling that everything is unraveling. I know the fear that grips you in the middle of the night and you can’t get it to stop.
The world tells us to seek control—to plan more, do more, and somehow force our way into peace. But God tells us something far better:
“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.” - Philippians 4:6-7
The peace of God isn’t something we earn or create on our own; it’s something we receive when we let go and surrender to Him.
The Story of Martha
When we think about the giants of faith in the Bible, it’s easy to forget that they, too, struggled with deep anxiety and fear. One such person is Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. In Luke 10:38-42, we see Martha welcoming Jesus into her home. While Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, Martha was “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” She became overwhelmed and anxious, eventually crying out to Jesus for help, saying:
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Jesus responded with such love and truth:
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41-42
Can you relate to Martha’s heart? She was trying to do everything—to manage, serve, and control the situation—but in her striving, she missed the peace that comes from simply being with Jesus.
Here is what God teaches us through Martha:
Jesus sees your heart. He knows when you’re overwhelmed and anxious. He isn’t dismissive; He lovingly calls you to Himself.
Peace comes when we sit with Him. Mary chose the better thing: sitting at Jesus’ feet. God invites us to slow down and rest in His presence.
You don’t have to carry it all. Martha believed she had to hold everything together, but Jesus reminded her that only one thing truly matters: being close to Him.
Sometimes, in our busyness and anxiety, we forget to simply sit at His feet—to pause, pray, and let Him carry what we cannot.
Practical Ways to Lean Into God During Anxiety
Here are some steps you can take to surrender your anxiety to God:
Pray Honestly: God already knows your heart. Pour out your fears to Him, just like Martha did.
Rest Physically: Sometimes we need to pause, sleep, and take care of our bodies so we can better hear God’s voice.
Meditate on His Word: Keep verses like Philippians 4:6-7 or Isaiah 41:10 close. Write them on your mirror, carry them in your purse, or set them as reminders on your phone.
A Prayer for You
Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today carrying the heavy burden of anxiety. Lord, You see the storm in my heart, the thoughts I cannot control, and the fears that seem bigger than I am. But God, I know You are greater. Your Word tells me to cast my cares upon You because You care for me. Right now, I surrender my worries at Your feet. Replace my anxiety with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. Speak truth into my heart and remind me that I am never alone. You are my refuge, my strength, and my ever-present help in times of trouble.
In Jesus' powerful name I pray, Amen.
