By Amy McDonald

Step 1: Don’t be anxious. (Matthew 6:25)

If you can successfully follow step 1 then feel free to skip the rest of this article. BUT, if you’re a normal human and struggle with this step, read on!

Step 2: Remember what Jesus says about anxiety.

This may sound similar to step 1 because Jesus DOES say “Don’t be anxious about your life” in Matthew 6. However, too often we stop there without considering the context and heart behind this command. As I read the section about worry from Jesus’ sermon on the mount (Matthew 6: 25-34), I can’t help but think that Jesus says this to encourage and comfort us, not to condemn us. He doesn’t say “I can’t believe you would worry about things you can’t control. You are just terrible mistrusting people”. He seems to gently remind us not to worry because He knows that humans are pretty prone to worry. He says He even cares about the tiny, insignificant sparrows, reminding us that we are worth much more to Him than many sparrows. We can trust Him.

Step 3: Admit your worries.

Sometimes as Christians we try to be hyper spiritual by just shoving our worries out of our minds, denying that we have them. We don’t have to do this. We are allowed and expected to be human. To ignore our worries robs us of the joy of bringing our worries to God. Remember that God loves and likes you. He wants you to have an honest conversation with Him about what is bothering you, so He can meet you there with comfort and hope.

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you”. (1 Peter 5:7)

Step 4: Refocus on the good and lovely.

After you’ve cast your burdens on God, refocus on something God-honoring and lovely (even if you still feel a little anxious). This could be as simple as hanging out with friends who are life giving, going for a walk, watching your favorite TV show. Wholesome hobbies and relationships are gifts from God that make even uncertain times in our life sweeter.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Step 5: Repeat/Practice

As a child with extreme anxiety, I used to feel disappointed with myself when it kept coming back and I couldn’t seem to beat it. I started to feel like maybe God was disappointed with me too. What I’ve learned over time is that most things take practice. When a father watches a baby learn to walk, he doesn’t get disappointed when the baby falls down but rejoices in the baby’s steps. Our heavenly father is the same way. He is incredibly patient and gracious as we make a practice of trusting Him with all of our concerns.

P.S.

Everyone worries and deals with anxiety from time to time. It is very normal and human. However, if you feel anxious a large portion of the time and really don’t know why, you may have an underlying anxiety problem. God provides healing in all kinds of ways. Sometimes we pray and he heals us miraculously. Sometimes God places people and resources in our life to heal us or give us what we need to survive hard things. If you feel overwhelmed with your own anxiety it does not mean you’re a bad Christian. It means you need more help! Please reach out to an adult that you trust and tell them you need help with your anxiety. They can listen, pray with you, and direct you to other helpful resources like a therapist who will better know how to help you.

About the Author: Amy McDonald was born and raised in Japan, the daughter of missionaries. She is a passionate follower of Jesus and also an entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, and small group Bible study leader. Though she struggles with anxiety and OCD, she loves travel, people, and sharing the gospel.