Anxiety: How Christian Counseling Can Help

In a fallen world with its demands and uncertainties, tension abounds. Sickness, job loss, life transitions, relationship issues, financial and political pressures, a crisis of faith, the list goes on. Life can feel overwhelming and heavy, or out of control, which can create a sense of anxiousness.

According to Merriam-Webster, anxiety is defined as “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.”

“Life will have its struggles, as told in John 16:33 (NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” It does not say if you have many trials and sorrows, but “you will” have many trials and sorrows; it is unavoidable, but you do not have to navigate alone.

Christian counseling helps reduce stress, bring greater peace, and gain clarity. Providing Biblical truth, along with encouragement and guidance, allows for symptom relief and spiritual growth. Drawing on the healing power of Jesus for spiritual guidance, coupled with practical tools, can help you navigate the challenges when you feel overwhelmed or apprehensive.

God created all emotions; Jesus experienced each emotion. He got angry, he wept with sadness, and experienced tremendous joy. Fully human, He also experienced intense anxiety while processing his future crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Anxiety is not sinful as it keeps us safe, alerting us to dangerous situations – the dark alley we should not go down or the person who feels threatening. But if you find yourself in a constant state of worry, have intrusive thoughts, or are unable to relax, it may be time to seek help.

A Christian counselor guides you to explore root causes, shift your perspective, focus on prayer and God’s Word, and help you be mindful that your body is a temple.

Exploring Root Causes

Deeper issues may exist that contribute to your anxiety, such as unresolved trauma, unmet needs, or spiritual struggles. It may be necessary to explore your past or current stressors. What situations have you downplayed or denied? What lies do you believe about yourself and others?

There are Big T traumas, which are major life events such as natural disasters, sexual abuse, severe car accidents, and Little T traumas, which include loss of job, bullying, and chronic financial stress. Discussing and processing trauma may seem overwhelming, but it is necessary for healing to occur.

Lack of love, support, validation, and safety are unmet needs that lead to negative self-worth. A Christian counselor walks with you to discover who you are and whose you are. How does God see you? What lies about yourself have you accepted as true?

Have you turned from God? Feel abandoned or separated from Him? Unsure of your faith? Through counseling, you discover the truth of God’s character; not only having a head knowledge but a heart acceptance. Feeling worthy, loved, accepted. God is waiting for you with open arms, regardless of what you have done. No sin is too great.

Shifting Perspective

Moving from fear to faith by trusting God and taking thoughts captive. At times, we get stuck in our thoughts by ruminating. Unable to stop the thoughts or catastrophizing (only seeing the worst in situations).

I am not enough, it was my fault, I am not worthy, I am not loved, I am too much, I am too little- these beliefs replay over and over in our minds, resulting in feelings of anxiety. Learning to replace distorted thinking with Biblical truths allows you to dispel the lies that the enemy has convinced you are true.

In the moment, when anxiety abounds, it is difficult to get out of your head, and you find yourself stuck in the situation, paralyzed, unable to reason. Practicing gratitude helps in these situations. Keeping a gratitude journal on your phone or in a book is a good way to ground you in the moment, as it can be difficult to recall when you’re struggling.

Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we should “never stop praying.” Pray throughout your day, as the heart leads, moved by the holy spirit.

Go to God for all your needs. No requests are too little or too big. He sees the big picture, all the details; we get stuck in our small story, trying to control the situation. Tell God what you need, let Him figure out the details.

God answers each request with a yes, no, or maybe. Often, His response does not align with what we asked, but it is usually better than you could imagine and what you need. Stop trying to control the situation and trust in Him. He knows every hair on your head. He knows your heart.

Making your requests to God is one part of the process; you must also be still and listen. God may use others, a co-worker, your spouse, even a stranger, or other things, a song, a verse, an ad on the radio, to speak to you. Open your heart and mind to receive Him. He will guide you and bring you peace.

God’s Word

Scripture gives you a firm foundation and clarity when life seems overwhelming and unsure. It is our guide in this broken world.

Focus on scripture to calm the mind, provide clarity, and reduce stress, immersing yourself in God’s Word by reading, studying, and applying. Not only reading but studying for understanding, looking for what God has for you, then taking what is learned and applying it to your life.

The Journal of Religion and Health stated that regular Bible reading slows your heart rate and breathing and helps you escape your worries by redirecting your focus. A 2020 study in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality found that daily scripture reading was associated with lower anxiety scores.

The body is a temple

Taking care of your body by getting plenty of rest, eating well, and exercising helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. Not getting a good night’s sleep affects you mentally and physically, leading to brain fog, heightened emotions, poor decision-making, and ambivalence.

A poor diet may contribute to health issues. Each person is unique in what their body needs. Take the time to discover what a balanced diet is, what your body needs, and which foods are harming your body.

It is important to move your body. That will look different for each person. Some people lift weights, run, attend fitness classes, swim, and walk; there are so many options. Regular, moderate exercise helps alleviate anxiety by releasing endorphins (feel-good hormones) and reducing cortisol (stress hormones), which supports better sleep, improved cognitive function, and helps distract from negative thinking.

Verses for Comfort and Encouragement

Here are some verses to encourage you. It is helpful to take meaningful, encouraging verses and write them down to refer to in times of stress or to read daily to calm your mind and bring comfort to your soul.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-8, NLT

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:7, NLT

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13, CSB

“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9, NLT

If you are struggling with feelings of anxiety, reach out to a Christian counselor. You will be able to talk through your anxiety in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment.