Finding Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
Anxiety didn’t disappear overnight, but its power over me began to fade.
My battle with anxiety didn’t surface until I started serving as a youth pastor in 2012. I walked into that season full of energy and passion, ready to serve God and pour into the lives of teenagers. But soon, panic attacks began appearing out of nowhere, and irrational fears started to take hold. There were times I truly felt like I was dying, as if my body and mind were betraying me.
I tried medicine, hoping it would help—but it didn’t. In fact, it only made things worse. My wife, seeing how much it was affecting me, ended up flushing it down the toilet. What she did next changed everything.
Scripture as a Lifeline
She began writing Scripture on index cards and placing them all throughout the house—on the bathroom mirror, the kitchen counter, the bedroom dresser—places I went often. Each card was a gentle reminder of who God is, His faithfulness, and His promises.
I started meditating on verses like 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."
Or Isaiah 41:10:
"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."
The more I paused to meditate on God’s Word, the more I found myself experiencing a peace that didn’t make sense from a worldly perspective.
Anxiety didn’t disappear overnight, but its power over me began to fade.
Surrendering Fear in the Moment
What I’ve learned is that surrender is the key. Anxiety and irrational fear haven’t gone away—they still show up—but now I have a choice in the moment. I can hand my fear over to God and say, “Lord, I trust You with this, even if I don’t understand it right now.”
When I do, His peace fills the gaps anxiety leaves behind. Instead of letting fear dictate my thoughts and actions, I use it as a signal to pause, pray, and meditate on Scripture. Surrender doesn’t mean I never struggle—it means I refuse to face it alone.
Your Turn to Experience Peace
If you’re walking through anxiety or fear, know this: God’s Word is alive and powerful. His promises are true, and He meets us exactly where we are. Start small: write a few verses on cards, place them in your daily spaces, and let them speak to your heart. Meditate on them. Pray through them. Let His truth sink in.
Over time, you’ll discover that God’s peace isn’t dependent on circumstances. It transcends understanding, guards your heart, and reminds you that you are never alone.
Remember: anxiety doesn’t define you, God does. Surrender your fears to Him today, and let His Word guide you to peace that lasts.
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Thanks for sharing your story, Aaron. Anyone who has experienced anxiety understands that it is no joke. And there’s often no explanation for why it shows up. Glad you were able to walk through and come out the other side to help people!
thank you for this. I struggle with anxiety as well. I had a bad accident a couple years ago, and it somehow made it worse (a beautiful day, running with friends, happy and carefree .. then *bam* - I hit the sidewalk with my face!).
I think I'm going to try this.
Thank your wife for me :)