Finding peace in the midst of life’s storms can be challenging, but God has given us at least 5 tools we need to help handle our anxiety. They include turning to God in prayer, reading the Bible, seeking fellowship with others, practicing stewardship, and trusting in God’s plan. Let’s discuss each spiritual discipline in detail.
Turning to God in Prayer
First, turning to God in prayer is crucial to alleviating our anxiety. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who personifies the tough-guy image, is one of the first people to admit how he has found relief from his anxiety through prayer and meditation.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he said, “I meditate every day, and I also pray. I do find a lot of peace in prayer. It helps me to feel grounded and centered.” This quote resonates with Philippians 4:6-7 – “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.”
While Johnson may not be the first person that comes to mind when thinking about prayer and faith, his story is a reminder that anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of their background or profession, and that there are many different tools and techniques for managing anxiety and finding peace.
Turning to God in prayer can be important in alleviating anxiety for several reasons. As we can see from “The Rock” a very strong man, he too needs to surrender control. By turning to God, he is acknowledging his limitations and relying on the Creator’s perfect plan and sovereignty. Psalm 55:22 tells us to “Cast our cares on the Lord and He will sustain us; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Additionally, The Rock said prayer helps him to feel grounded and centered. This allows an individual to find perspective from a Christian vantage point. When we focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, we can remember that our problems are temporary and that God is with us all the time. He is the solid rock that keeps us grounded. Isaiah 41:10 say, “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.”
Finally, prayer is communicating with God. It naturally builds trust and resilence. When we turn to God in prayer during times of anxiety, we are building our trust in Him and developing resilence in the face of adversity. This gives us the confidence to weather any storm or difficulty that arises in our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in God completely:”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Reading the Bible
Reading God’s Word is a crucial spiritual discipline we must practice in order to handle the storms of life and defeat anxiety. There are several ways this can happen. First, reading Scripture provides perspective. When we focus on God’s truth, we can remember that our problems are temporary and that God is always with us. God’s word exclaims in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us or forsake us.
When we study Scripture, it encourages our faith and reminds us of the hope we have in God. There are countless stories in the Bible of people who faced difficult circumstances. For example, Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers but became a powerful leader in Egypt. David overcame many trials to become a successful king. Job endured great suffering but remained faithful to God through it all. These stories from the Bible remind us of God’s power in overcoming great trials, which reduces our anxiety.
One example of a person who focused on God’s truth and found help in real life is Corrie ten Boom. Corrie was a Christian woman who lived in the Netherlands during World War II. She and her family hid Jews in their home to protect them from the Nazis. Eventually, Corrie and her family were caught and sent to a concentration camp.
While in the concentration camp, Corrie continued to hold onto her faith and trust in God’s promises. She focused on verses like Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Despite the terrible conditions of the camp, Corrie found ways to help others and share God’s love. She and her sister, Betsie, led Bible studies and prayer meetings in their barracks, and they even smuggled in a Bible.
After the war, Corrie was released from the concentration camp and returned home. She went on to share her story and her faith with people around the world, writing books and speaking at events. Corrie’s life is a powerful example of how focusing on God’s truth and promises can help us through even the darkest times.
Reading the infallible Word of God offers comfort and contains verses that can give us reassurance in times of anxiety. Here are at least ten Bible verses that can give us reassurance when we are stressed out.
“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.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“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.” – John 14:27
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Psalm 118:6
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
When I first got saved, I evangelized quite a bit in the open square–such as downtown, near bars, restaurants, and big sporting events and rock concerts. Before I would prepare to preach in front of large crowds, I would oftentimes quote Joshua 1:9.
The reason is because many people would discourage me from teaching and even curse me out for telling them about Jesus. I had to constantly remind myself not to be discouraged and to trust that God has a reason for me being there to share God’s love. He affirmed that when a student we ministered to at a local university ended up joining our church and is currently pastoring to this day!
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