Overcoming Anxiety with Trust

Anxiety can feel like a storm raging in our minds and hearts—a swirl of unease, worry, or fear about what might happen. It often shows up as a racing mind, a tense body, or a restless spirit. At some point, we all encounter it, whether in the form of fear about an uncertain future, an overwhelming to-do list, or a difficult situation beyond our control.

Martha, a close friend of Jesus, provides a relatable picture of anxiety. As she prepared to host Him, the demands of hospitality overwhelmed her. She was consumed by worry, feeling the weight of responsibility and the frustration of handling it all alone.

“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42)

Martha’s story reminds us that anxiety often stems from misplaced priorities. She was so focused on her tasks that she missed the joy of simply being with Jesus. With gentleness, Jesus called her attention back to what truly mattered: resting in His presence.

Our natural response might be to strive harder to hold everything together. Yet Jesus invites us to pause, to breathe, and to choose “the good portion” by focusing on Him.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

God invites us to bring every worry to Him in prayer. Prayer becomes the turning point where we exchange our burdens for His peace. When we bring our concerns to God, we acknowledge His power over our circumstances. As we thank God for His past faithfulness, our perspective shifts. Gratitude helps us remember that the same God who carried us before will carry us again. And in this act of trust, His peace guards our hearts like a shield.

God’s peace doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances; it flows from His perfect presence. When anxiety presses in, we can rest in the knowledge that He is near, His love is unshakable, and His peace is available to us.

Pray with your own words, or try these:

Lord, You see my heart and know the worries that weigh me down. Thank You for Your invitation to bring my anxieties to You. I lay them at Your feet now, trusting in Your power and love. Help me to shift my focus from my problems to Your presence. Fill me with gratitude for Your faithfulness and remind me that Your peace is greater than my fears. Guard my heart with Your unshakable calm, and teach me to rest in Your promises.