By Ruth Yong Wang Theen
Anxiety is a prevalent issue today, not only in Malaysia but also globally. If not dealt with properly, anxiety can have adverse effects on both the mind and body. While it can feel overwhelming at times, there are several practical ways to help manage anxiety.
As someone who has experienced anxiety, here are five ways anchored in Scripture that I’ve found helpful as I face inevitable moments of worry, doubt and fear.
1. Seek God’s Presence through Prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I often find myself anxious when faced with a task to complete. Whether it’s a writing task or a presentation, it always feels nerve-wracking until the deadlines are over. Worrying about deadlines doesn’t help at all. Instead of worrying, I’m reminded by this Scripture to wait upon the Lord in worship and prayer. This eventually brings peace and calmness. When feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to turn to God in prayer. In moments of intense worry, setting aside time to talk to God helps me release my burdens.
Prayer shifts our focus from the problem to God’s ability to help.
2. Trust in God’s Plan
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Anxiety often stems from uncertainty about the future. Trusting in God’s sovereignty provides peace. Over the past few years, I’ve faced an unstable career where at times, I had work and at other times, I didn’t have work. This uncertainty made me anxious about my future. Through this verse, I’ve found relief in knowing that God’s plan for my life is good, even when I can’t see the whole picture or when things progress slower than I’d like.
Leaning into God’s presence helps us find peace, even when our dreams don’t unfold as quickly as we want.
3. Meditate on God’s Word
Psalm 119:105 (NLT) says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
I’ve faced many trials in life, from negative words spoken by family members and friends to rejections when I worked in telemarketing. These situations caused me to doubt myself, convincing me that I wasn’t good enough, no matter how much I had achieved. Being in such a negative environment led me to believe I was amid toxicity. However, God’s Word has a calming effect when we meditate on it regularly. It is powerful and full of truth.
When anxious thoughts take over, Scripture renews our minds and redirects us toward God’s truth.
In times of self-doubt, reading passages about God’s love, such as Romans 8:38-39, reminds me that His love is constant, despite my feelings.
4. Practise Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) states, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
During a season when everything seemed dark, especially as I went through various personal struggles, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit to hope in Him and count my blessings.
Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
Keeping a gratitude journal helps me focus on God’s provision rather than my lack. I’m thankful that I have a house to live in, food to eat, water to drink, and clothes to wear. I’m also thankful for having pursued my university studies and for previous achievements. Most importantly, I’m thankful that I have a God to lean on in times of trouble.
5. Rest in God’s Presence
Psalm 46:10 (NLT) says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Sometimes, the best way to calm the mind is to rest in stillness and recognize God’s control. Setting aside quiet moments daily, even for a few minutes, to simply breathe and acknowledge God’s presence has been powerful for calming my mind. When anxious thoughts arise, I start my day by worshipping the Lord in prayer and reading His Word. Reflecting on Scripture and spending quiet time with God helps with anxiety and brings peace to my mind. I’m reminded of how Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray and be alone with God.
Jesus showed us how resting in God’s presence recharges us.
Lasting peace comes from trust and surrender to God
By following these five strategies, you will find peace and combat anxiety. I encourage you to apply these strategies daily and remember that lasting peace comes from trusting God and surrendering anxious thoughts to Him. I’d like to close with a final encouragement from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
May the Lord be with you always. Amen.
