Trying to Trust Through Anxiety

<p>I struggle with anxiety. There are times when my anxiety gets to me and keeps me from being at peace. I can pray in those times and feel like it’s not helping at all.</p><p>.</p><p>As Christians, sometimes we are made to feel bad for having anxiety. Aren’t we supposed to trust that God will take care of everything and just feel at peace? Well, for some of us, that is not always possible. Mental health issues are real issues, and they can significantly impact how we are feeling.</p><p>.</p><p>When I’m feeling anxious—and praying and reading the Bible and trying to feel God’s presence isn’t working for me—I remind myself that just trying to trust God and turn to Him for help is “good enough.” God sees that I want to trust Him, and He doesn’t reject me (Romans 8:26-27). He is not judging me for feeling anxious. We can rest in true faith even as we experience anxiety.</p><p>.</p><p>God knows that we can’t always control the way we are feeling. God is patient with us when our anxiety keeps us from fully trusting Him to work all things for His good purpose, even when things don’t turn out the way we want them to (Romans 8:28). Nothing—not even anxiety—can separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:38-39). • Emily Acker</p><p>.</p><p>• When do you feel anxious? Are there especially hard times in your life when you find it difficult to trust God with all that’s going on?</p><p>.</p><p>• Read Mark 14:32-34, John 11:35, and Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus—who is fully human and fully God—feels emotions. How can this truth comfort us during times of anxiety or other strong and difficult feelings?</p><p>.</p><p>• If you are experiencing anxiety, who are some trusted people in your life you can talk to—such as counselors, parents, pastors, or teachers?</p><p>.</p><p>• If you are experiencing anxiety and you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4