Life is characterized by uncertainty and instability. Challenges include inflation, political chaos, environmental extremes and natural disasters, global pandemics, crime, and shocking military conflicts.
With prices of everyday staples and access to up-to-date news and on-the-ground reporting via our digital devices, avoiding unwelcome news is almost impossible. This 24/7 exposure and daily reality can result in a sense of threat and being out of control, leading to stress, distress, and ongoing anxiety.
What Is Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition. It’s estimated to affect around 40 million US adults, reported by up to 30% of Americans in their lifetime. Distress can start in early adulthood, adolescence, or even as early as childhood.
The ailment causes uncomfortable feelings of nervousness, fear, dread, and panic. Symptoms can also include a rapid pulse, sweating, muscle tension, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and nausea.
For most of us, anxiety occurs in response to genuine triggers, dissipating once the perceived danger is over or the cause is managed. For many others, however, discomfort can happen when no real threat exists or consistently makes everyday tasks difficult and negatively impacts quality of life.
What Causes Anxiety Disorder?
The cause of anxiety disorders can be complex. It can include brain chemical imbalances, especially after prolonged periods of stress. Genetics is also a contributor. For example, biological females are more prone to the condition, as are those with a family history or mood disorders. Also more vulnerable are people with personality traits such as inhibition and shyness.
Genes can also combine with environmental factors such as adult or childhood trauma and stress. Additionally, the symptoms of several physical conditions may manifest as anxiety, for example, heart arrhythmias and thyroid disease.
For Christians, the roots and experience of anxiety can be even more intimate. They may believe that anxiety is a crisis of faith. It may be a sign that they have not entirely placed their trust in God and are allowing fear to undermine their divine relationship. Others may wonder why God would let them suffer. The condition can lead to self-doubt and distrust in the Creator, adding pain to existing trauma.
What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?
The Bible talks about anxiety as unnecessary and unhelpful. In Matthew 6:27, he offers, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span? Instead, the Bible suggests that fully placing one’s fears and worries in God’s hands – by trusting and committing to Him – should obviate feelings of anxiety.
Feelings of being out of control, uncertainty or a fear of change, worrying about not coping, or fearing the unknown can be overcome by trusting in God’s plan. We can find grace and peace in God: “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2). Jesus also comforts when he says, “Fear not, little flock” (Luke 12:32).
When Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1-4), he suggests that life will have suffering and difficulty while highlighting that you can control that feeling through faith. Part of finding peace through faith involves handing your anxiety over to God.
His Command to us is to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33) and to cast our “anxieties upon him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7), promising in its place, “peace… which surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7).
Meanwhile, He also asks you to take care of yourself – “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life”(Proverbs 4:23). Jesus, too, wrestled with anxiety. In Luke 22:44, we read that Jesus, “being in anguish, prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” In teaching us to love our neighbor as ourselves, he doesn’t condemn us for it.
Everyone experiences anxiety. It is not something we can merely resolve by willpower. It’s not a sign of weakness or poor discipline. According to Paul, the secret is not to let the feeling enslave you. As suggested by Pastor Greg Groeschel, don’t give in to merimnao (Greek for “anxiety”) – “dwelling on fearful or anxious thoughts.”
So, if you reach a stage where troubles are overtaking you, beyond prayer, ask for guidance by reading about what you’re feeling from a Christian point of view.
Explore Christian Books About Anxiety to Help Transform Your Worry
Some inspirational books written by Christians for Christians include:
Calm My Anxious Heart
This Bible-based book from Linda Dillow has sold over half a million copies since its publication in 1998. It details the experience of women from various cultures who have struggled with and overcome anxiety through faith.
- Dillow, Linda (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 10/06/2020 (Publication Date) - NavPress (Publisher)
Letting go and “letting God” can be a struggle with daily worries, work, and children. Linda’s classic approach can help you find the contentment and calm the Bible promises by processing your feelings and refreshing your spirit through Scripture.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Includes practical, helpful suggestions Offers a 10-week bible study Incorporates a companion journal Reader rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars | Less suited for those with serious anxiety disorders |
Anxious For Nothing
In Philippians 4:6, the Apostle Paul tells us to be “anxious for nothing” – the most highlighted verse in the Bible. However, in the chaos of the modern world, staying calm is a challenge, even for the most faithful. In his book, Anxious for Nothing, by Max Lucado encourages readers to surrender feelings of guilt to help alleviate anxiety, instead exchanging them for peace and a spirit of thanksgiving.
- Audible Audiobook
- Max Lucado (Author) - Ben Holland (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
The book explores how to change your perception of stress with practical strategies and relying on God’s comfort and truth. He encourages us to meditate on good things, ask God for help, leave our concerns with Him, and celebrate His goodness.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Includes practical guidance Features a workbook “Simple, clear, and helpful” Reader rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars | May end too abruptly for some May seem repetitive to Lucado fans |
The Extraordinary Power of Praise
Scripture tells us that King David struggled with anxiety, pouring his heart out to and praising his Creator by writing the Psalms to help ease his discomfort.
- Harling, Becky (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages - 06/01/2021 (Publication Date) - Moody Publishers (Publisher)
As eloquently stated in Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy!” In response, based on the Psalms, Becky Harling offers a six-week bible study to help you overcome your own anxiety.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Asks reflective questions It lists recommended music to accompany your studies Solid bible teaching Reader rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars | Some may find the exercise repetitive |
Anxiety Elephants
Caris Snider’s 31-day devotional is written to reassure and bring hope to women with anxiety, to help them “stomp” it out of their lives.
- Snider, Caris (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 193 Pages - 12/17/2019 (Publication Date) - Brookstone Publishing Group (Publisher)
The well-received book includes authentic case studies, scriptures, and suggestions on managing responses to triggers. A Christian communicator, Caris encourages us to ” examine your life and refocus your perspective from anxiety, fear, defeat to God’s truth, character, and strength.”
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Includes firsthand experiences One concept per day for a month Light read format Reader rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars | May be more appealing to females May not delve deeply enough for some |
Find Grace and Relief With Christian Anxiety Books
So, surrender your worries to God, pray, let go of guilt, and learn how to turn anxiety into praise. In addition, share your fears with your counselor and rely on a wealth of sensitively written Christian anxiety books to guide your way.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.
- Generalized anxiety disorder: This condition leaves individuals feeling extremely tense and worried, even without triggers. Worry is unrealistic, and anything can trigger it, creating an ongoing sense of anxiety that is highly distracting and disruptive. Those with GAD can experience concentration issues, sleeping difficulties, and constant restlessness.
- Separation anxiety disorder: This condition, characterized by self-consciousness and social anxiety, used to be called social phobia. Separation anxiety disorder often causes those with the ailment to altogether avoid social interactions and situations, which can be isolating and unhealthy.
- Panic disorder: People with panic disorder experience sudden, intense attacks of panic. These feelings are typically extreme, more so than in other anxiety conditions, often even described as terror. Attacks are highly disabling, with some individuals mistaking them for a heart attack due to symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, feelings of disorientation or “craziness,” and choking.
- Phobias: Humans are born with a fear of falling and loud noises to help boost our survival, and most have some fear of animals or situations that might be dangerous. However, while an intense fear of snakes, spiders, heights, or flying is understandable, other worries are less reasonable. Examples include a fear of open or enclosed spaces, crowds or queues, public transport, or anywhere outside your home.
Anxiety and anxiety disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, frequently reported as a feature of depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
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