The Best Practical Advice for a Christian with Anxiety

As a Christian with anxiety, anxiety has a way of creeping in when we least expect it. One moment, you’re going about your day—dropping the kids off at school, checking your work emails, running errands—and the next, it feels like everything is unraveling. Your heart races, your mind won’t stop spinning, and suddenly, that to-do list that felt manageable an hour ago now feels like a mountain you’ll never be able to climb. Your thoughts bounce between worst-case scenarios, and the weight of it all presses down until it’s hard to breathe.

Maybe you’ve been there too.

When anxiety takes over, it feels like you’re stuck in a constant loop of worry. You pray about it, you ask God to help, but that unsettled feeling lingers. And then you come across verses like Philippians 4:6—“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” It’s a beautiful promise, but let’s be honest—how can we possibly follow that when we feel so anxious?

How do we not feel anxious about anything when everything around us feels overwhelming? When there are bills to pay, health concerns, family issues, or just the pressure of everyday life that never seems to let up? It’s easy to feel like we’re somehow falling short in our faith if we can’t shake the anxiety. But friend, I’m here to remind you that struggling as a Christian with anxiety doesn’t mean you lack faith. God understands our human frailty, and He invites us to bring our anxiety to Him.

In this post, we’ll talk about how, as a Christian with anxiety, you can strike that balance—managing your anxiety practically while leaning fully into the comfort and peace that comes from trusting in God’s promises. I’ll also introduce you to the Anxious: Bible Study by Scarlet Hiltibidal, available on Amazon, which is an excellent resource for women and teen girls with anxiety. This study dives deep into Scripture, helping you find both practical strategies and spiritual encouragement to navigate anxiety with faith.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s that pit in your stomach that won’t go away, the racing heart that keeps you up at night, and the thoughts that spiral out of control, taking you from zero to worst-case scenario in seconds. It’s the overwhelming sense of dread that creeps in when you least expect it, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. Anxiety can manifest in many ways—maybe for you, it’s the constant knot in your stomach, or maybe it’s the way your mind never seems to quiet down.

And that’s where the enemy likes to step in, whispering lies that make you feel guilty for not trusting God enough or for letting anxiety steal your peace. “If only you had more faith,” you might think, or “Why can’t I just trust God like I’m supposed to?” Those thoughts can spiral, making you feel like you’re not only battling anxiety but also failing in your relationship with God. It’s a heavy burden to carry.

But here’s the thing: anxiety is part of the human experience. God doesn’t expect us to carry the weight of the world on our own, and He certainly doesn’t want us to feel guilty for struggling. Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that He knows our weaknesses, and He never leaves us to face them alone. He offers us both spiritual and practical tools to help manage anxiety.

While we may not be able to eliminate anxiety entirely—and it’s not realistic to expect that we won’t feel anxious at all—God provides a way through it. He teaches us that we can experience anxiety and still walk in faith. We can struggle and still trust Him. Anxiety may be part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story.

God’s peace is available to us, even in the middle of the storm. It doesn’t mean that the storm will go away, but it means that we don’t have to weather it alone. There are ways to cope as a Christian with anxiety that honor our faith, and as we lean into His promises, we can experience the calm that He offers—one step at a time, one moment at a time.

Practical Strategies to Cope as a Christian with Anxiety

Breathe and Ground Yourself in God’s Presence

When anxiety hits, it can feel like your whole world is spinning out of control. In those moments, one of the simplest but most powerful things you can do is breathe—deep, intentional breaths. But instead of just focusing on the breath, invite God into that space. As you breathe in, imagine breathing in His peace. As you breathe out, release the tension, knowing that He’s there with you, holding you.

Try this: Take a deep breath in for four counts, hold it for four, then slowly exhale for four. With each inhale, say in your heart, “Lord, I trust You.” With each exhale, release whatever is burdening you, saying, “I give You my anxiety.” Let this become not just a calming technique, but a spiritual practice of surrender.

Grounding yourself in the present is another way to combat anxiety’s hold on you. When your mind starts spiraling, bring yourself back to what is tangible—what is here right now. Instead of just naming things you can see, hear, or touch, remind yourself that God is present in the here and now. As you ground yourself, pray silently, acknowledging that He is with you in this very moment. You’re not just grounding yourself physically—you’re grounding yourself spiritually in His presence.

Challenge Your Thoughts and Replace Them with God’s Truth

Anxiety loves to plant seeds of fear and worst-case scenarios in our minds. Those spirals of worry often feel endless, convincing us that the worst is bound to happen. But Scripture tells us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This means we don’t have to let anxious thoughts control us—we can challenge them with God’s truth.

The next time anxious thoughts start to take over, pause and ask: “Is this thought true? Does it line up with God’s promises?” Write down your anxious thoughts, and next to each one, write a Bible verse that speaks the truth over that fear. For example, if your fear is, “I’m not strong enough to handle this,” write down Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

By actively replacing anxious thoughts with God’s Word, you shift the narrative in your mind from one of fear to one of faith. Let God’s promises challenge and rewrite the story that anxiety tries to tell you.

Create Calming Routines that Include Time with God

Anxiety thrives on chaos and unpredictability. One way to combat it is by creating routines that offer a sense of stability. But don’t just create routines that calm your mind—create routines that also nourish your spirit. Starting and ending your day with God can be a powerful way to anchor yourself when anxiety threatens to overwhelm you.

Maybe your morning begins with a quiet moment of prayer, a few minutes reading Scripture, or even just sitting in silence with a cup of coffee, thanking God for a new day. These small moments with Him can set the tone for your day and give you a sense of peace before the demands of life rush in. Throughout the day, find pockets of time to re-center. Even in the busiest moments, a quick prayer or breath can help you reconnect with God’s peace.

Cast Your Cares on Him and Let Him Carry Them

1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” But sometimes, that feels easier said than done. How do we actually cast our cares on God when our minds won’t stop racing?

One way is to physically practice what the verse says. When anxiety starts to creep in, don’t just silently ask God to take your burdens—physically release them to Him. Write down your worries on a piece of paper, say them out loud in prayer, or visualize handing them to Jesus. Let this be an act of trust, a tangible way of saying, “God, I know You care for me. I know You can handle this.” After all, if God can carry the weight of the world, He can certainly carry your anxieties.

Meditate on Scripture to Calm Your Spirit

God’s Word isn’t just a tool for comfort during anxious times—it’s also a weapon against the lies that anxiety tells us. When anxiety tries to convince you that you’re alone, that things will never get better, or that you’re not enough, meditate on the Scriptures that speak against those lies.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “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.” When those anxious thoughts creep in, don’t just read this verse—speak it out loud. Declare it over your life, knowing that God’s promises are more powerful than your fears.

Create a habit of keeping Scripture close—on sticky notes, as the background on your phone, or in a journal. When anxiety strikes, don’t fight it alone. Let God’s Word do the fighting for you.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty and Surrender What You Can’t Control

Anxiety often stems from our desire to control outcomes, but the reality is, we’re not in control—God is. And that’s a good thing. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God knows the plans He has for us, and they are good plans—plans for hope and a future. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means recognizing that, while we may not know what tomorrow holds, He does.

When anxiety tempts you to micromanage every detail of your life, remind yourself that God is already in control. Surrendering to Him doesn’t mean giving up; it means acknowledging that He’s working all things together for your good—even when you can’t see it. Surrender is an act of faith. It’s saying, “God, I trust You with what I can’t control.”

Practice Gratitude as an Act of Faith

Dive Deeper into God’s Word: A Bible Study on Anxiety

When anxiety feels like it’s closing in, it can be hard to know where to turn. But one of the most powerful ways to push back against fear is to dive into God’s Word. Scripture not only offers comfort but also gives us the strength we need to fight the lies anxiety tells us. If you’ve been searching for a way to face your anxiety with a deeper sense of peace, engaging in a structured Bible study can be life-changing.

The Anxious: Bible Study Book with Video Access by Scarlet Hiltibidal is a powerful resource available on Amazon, designed to help you take hold of the peace God offers. Whether you choose to work through it on your own or alongside others in a group, this 8-session study will guide you through Scripture to help you combat anxiety by anchoring your heart in God’s promises. Plus, there’s a version specifically for teen girls, making it a great resource for young women facing their own battles with anxiety.

Why Bible Study Helps Combat Anxiety

Anxiety thrives on fear and uncertainty, and it can feel overwhelming when we try to carry it all alone. But God never intended for us to fight this battle by ourselves. Immersing yourself in His Word can remind you of His constant presence, guiding you through every storm. This study walks you through verses that speak directly to anxiety and fear, helping you reframe your anxious thoughts with the truth of God’s promises. By staying rooted in Scripture, you’ll find that anxiety has less power over your mind and heart.

This study isn’t just for adults—it’s an amazing tool for teen girls as well. In a world filled with pressure and uncertainty, this Bible study offers young women the chance to explore their faith and learn to rely on God when anxiety creeps in. It can help teens develop a stronger connection to God, give them the tools to navigate stressful situations, and remind them that they aren’t alone in their struggles. Whether used individually or in a small group setting, the teen version provides a supportive and faith-centered approach to dealing with anxiety early in life.

How to Get the Most from This Bible Study

This study offers flexibility, whether you’re doing it alone or as part of a group. Here are a few ways to deepen your engagement:

• Daily Scripture Reflection: Carve out a few minutes each day to focus on key verses about anxiety, like Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7. Let God’s Word soak into your heart as you reflect on His invitation to cast your worries onto Him.
• Journaling Your Anxieties: As you work through the study, write down your fears and anxieties. Then, use Scripture to counter them. Let verses like Isaiah 41:10 or Matthew 6:34 guide your thoughts as you replace worry with God’s promises.
• Join a Community or Small Group: If you’re able, share this study with others. There’s power in community, especially when it comes to working through anxiety. Discussing your experiences and leaning on others for support will strengthen your faith and remind you that you’re never alone.

About the Anxious Bible Study

In Anxious, Scarlet Hiltibidal dives into stories from the Bible, showing how figures like David, Jonah, Moses, and Esther dealt with anxiety and fear. Each session combines biblical examples with practical strategies for leaning on God’s strength in the face of anxiety. The study includes video content (with access provided in the workbook), making it easy to follow along whether you’re working through it by yourself or in a group.

The teen version offers similar insights but is tailored for younger audiences. It’s an ideal way to introduce teens to the idea that faith can be their greatest tool in combating anxiety. By starting these conversations early, young women can build a strong foundation of trust in God’s promises that will guide them through anxious moments now and in the future.

Join the Fight Against Anxiety

Whether you’re walking through anxiety daily or just trying to find peace in a difficult season, this Bible study can help you find rest in God’s promises. Through Scripture, prayer, and community, you’ll learn practical ways to manage anxiety while staying anchored in your faith. Jesus walks with you in every anxious moment, and His Word is your greatest source of strength and peace.

If you’re ready to fight anxiety with God’s Word, consider starting this study—whether on your own or with others—and experience the true peace only He can provide.

A Final Encouragement for the Christian with anxiety

Anxiety may be part of our human experience, but it doesn’t have to define us. It doesn’t get the final say in our lives. By combining practical mental health strategies with the powerful truths of God’s Word, we can find peace even in the midst of our struggles. God walks with you through every anxious moment, holding you steady when everything feels shaky. He offers His strength when yours feels like it’s fading, His peace when the noise of anxiety becomes overwhelming, and His grace when you feel like you’re falling short.

Remember, you don’t have to carry this burden alone. God invites you to come to Him—just as you are, with all your worries, fears, and doubts. You don’t need to have it all figured out or be perfectly calm to approach Him. He’s with you in the storm, and He’s ready to bring you through it. Trust Him with your worries, lean into His promises, and take each day one step at a time.

And on those days when the anxiety feels too heavy to bear, know this: His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Each day is another opportunity to experience His grace, another chance to rest in His care. Let today be the day you release your grip on fear and let God’s peace wash over you. He has carried you before, and He will carry you again.

God sees you, He loves you, and He is fighting for your peace. You are never alone in this.

1. What specific anxieties are weighing on you right now? How can you release them to God today?
2. Which Scripture brings you the most comfort when you’re anxious? How can you keep that verse close as a reminder of God’s peace?
3. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about something, but it turned out better than you expected. How can that experience remind you of God’s faithfulness?