Finding Rest for an Anxious Heart
Anxiety doesn’t just knock—it moves in, unpacks its bags, and tries to run our lives. But God offers a way to reframe fear through His love.
As a biblical counselor, I’ve walked alongside many people weighed down by worry. I often begin with two simple questions:
“What’s making you anxious?”
“Who are you thinking about in those feelings?”
When I ask myself this question in anxious moments, I often find my thoughts circling back to me. I’ve thought, I’m scared people won’t like me. I’m worried I won’t fit in. I’m afraid I can’t do what’s expected. I’m nervous I’ll lose what I value most. In one way or another, we all carry fears that draw our eyes toward ourselves instead of lifting them to God.
Anxiety has a way of turning our gaze inward. The more we stare at our fears, the bigger they grow. And our culture feeds it—telling us to rely on ourselves, grab what we want now, and push through in our strength. But God’s Word tells a different story.
Why We Can’t Carry It Alone
God never designed us to handle life’s troubles by ourselves. When we insist on ruling our own lives, our pride whispers, “You’ve got this,” while faith quietly says, “Wait on the Lord.”
Self-reliance might feel powerful for a moment, but it quickly leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and spiritual emptiness. Jesus says instead:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Real rest isn’t found in having control—it’s found in surrendering to the One who loves us perfectly.
The Antidote to Anxiety
God gives us something more reliable than fear:
Faith — Someone we trust who cares for us, shares our pain, and can rescue us.
Hope — A promise of a future beyond the brokenness of this world.
Love — A love so deep it sees our flaws and still embraces us.
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Faith steadies our steps. Hope lifts our eyes. Love holds our hearts.
Why Love Is the Greatest
One day, faith will become sight and hope will be fulfilled—but love will remain forever. Love is the heartbeat of God’s eternal nature. It’s here now, and it’s yours to rest in today.
If you’re anxious, let God’s love for you be bigger than the fears in front of you. His love is not fragile or fleeting—it’s a shelter that stands when the storm passes and when it rages on.
A Prayer for Peace
Father, thank You for loving us first. We can only love You and others because You have loved us so perfectly. Help us to trust You when we are anxious and to turn our eyes from fear to faith. Let our love for You overflow to those around us so they see Your power to transform worry into peace. Thank You for the hope we have because of Jesus—His life, His death, His resurrection, and His promise to return. Guard our hearts from the enemy and keep us resting in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Walk in This Truth Today
Fear does not have the final word. God’s love is already here, it’s yours, and greater than your anxious heart.
