Throughout my life, I have struggled with anxiety and an overwhelming sense of fear and worrying, that I did not even realize was anxiety. I constantly worried about the “what-ifs”– What if everyone here hates me? What if people think I am annoying? What if I fail my exam and get kicked out of school? What if I never find my dream job? All of the “what-ifs” genuinely drain you, yet it is so difficult to stop wondering and worrying about what others think of us, the future, and everything else in our lives.
I began to pray to God that he could take away this anxiety from me, and that I would be able to live my life free of worrying. Why is it that fear seems to take control over me, and why is it that I can’t simply let go when I know God is with me, taking care of me? It wasn’t until I began therapy and slowly began unraveling my brain and figuring out that anxiety is more than what it seems on the surface. If you are sincerely suffering with anxiety or any mental health illness, getting help is so important. Because although yes, God is almighty, he also wants us to seek help when we truly need it. In my case, to reduce my anxiety I needed to get therapeutic help and find the tools necessary to begin overcoming it. But what is important to remember is that your anxiety does not define who you are.
Can Prayer Help Anxiety?
Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” But when overcome with fear and anxiety, it can be difficult to turn and remember that God is with us. In these moments, let us remember that Jesus understands, because he has suffered from anxiety as well. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the hardest, most anxious moment of his life, where he sweat blood as he realized what was coming. Jesus suffered, saying “Father, if you are willing remove this cup from Me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). Jesus knows more than anyone what anxiety feels like, and praying to Him and asking Him for help can help us feel understood. Jesus understands our pain, and He loves us and reminds us that it gets better. Christ has already conquered our battle with anxiety, and we simply need to hand Him our struggle with anxiety and fear. Through prayer we can take the first step to healing and let Him change our lives for the better.
What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?
Anxiety and stress can weigh us down and leave us feeling hopeless in a world full of chaos and confusion. When we begin to feel anxiety taking control of us, reading these Bible verses can help us find clarity, calm, and inner peace in our hearts and remind us that we are not only loved, but held. We are held by a God who is more powerful than our messy minds and broken hearts, and that we are loved unconditionally, anxiety and all. May these Bible verses ground you and help you take a moment to rest in our God and leave Him your worry and anxiety.
- “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.” Isaiah 41:10
- “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
- “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
- “Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4
Ask Your Favorite Saints To Intercede For You
We are currently on our journey and walk towards Heaven, but there are people who have not only survived the trials of life, but overcome them. The saints in Heaven have been in our shoes and they have felt the anxiety, fear, and worry you might currently be feeling. Next time you begin to feel anxious, ask a friend in Heaven to intercede and pray for you. Saint Padre Pio fought with anxiety and battled it with prayer, Saint Rita believed in the impossible even when all was lost, and Saint Therese of Lisieux suffered from psychological and physical torment. These saints are there to not only pray for us and guide us, but to remind us that mental illness can be overcome because God is faithful and good.
Don’t let fear control you any longer, and don’t believe the lies of the devil. You are not any less of a Catholic because you struggle with mental illness, and you are not any less loved. If you need help to overcome your mental illness, look for it and let God guide you to healing. If you believe your worry is stemming from a lack of prayer, take these bible verses into prayer and meditate over them. If you need help from a friend in Heaven, ask for intercession through a novena. Speak to someone, and know that you are not alone and that you are loved unconditionally by a God who is stronger than anything you are suffering from. My prayer for you is that you remember that you are not alone.
Love, Luna
