It’s no wonder so many Christians are battling anxiety right now.
I’ve noticed a common thread among many of my friends lately. They’re dealing with anxiety in one form or another. Some feel a vague sense of unease. Others are facing full-blown panic attacks. It’s not surprising. We’re flooded with news about financial instability, extreme weather, and unrest both close to home and around the world. Stories of church leadership failures continue to surface. While it’s right for hidden abuse to come to light and be dealt with, the process can be excruciating for anyone who loves the Church.
I hope these practical steps, which have helped me and others, will not only bring you peace but also help you hold onto it.
1. Acknowledge that anxiety, worry, and panic serve no purpose.
They don’t solve problems. They cloud your mind and weigh down your spirit. Repent from chronic negative thought patterns. Repentance means owning your thoughts, recognizing their harm, and choosing a new direction.
Here’s a picture: You realize you’re on the wrong bus. You can stay and end up somewhere you don’t want to be, or you can get off and head in the other direction.
Verse: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” — Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
2. Go to the Bible.
Search for one-line bible verses you can easily scan during the day that speak of peace, hope, faith, and joy. Read them out loud. Meditate on them. Write them out by hand if you are able to do so. Writing helps the words sink deeper into your spirit.
Verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
3. Music matters.
Play light classical, instrumental soothing, or worship music. Save fast, intense music for your workouts. Keep your home a sanctuary of peace. Soaking music helps calm the mind and invites God’s presence. However, there are times when worship requires an active response, not just passive listening. Engage with God as you intentionally worship.
I’ve created a Christian soaking playlist on YouTube. Soaking music shouldn’t distract—it should help you receive from God and rest in Him by listening to this mostly instrumental playlist. When anxious thoughts pop up, give them to Him and ask for peace. He often has something to say in those quiet moments.
Verse: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
4. Prioritize sleep.
I need eight solid hours to stay healthy. On occasion, I take melatonin — natural and non-addictive. It either works for you or it doesn’t. I take it an hour before bed.
The first 30 minutes of trying to sleep are the hardest when I’m anxious. I cut outside input an hour before bed: log off Facebook, play instrumental music, and turn on my phone’s blue light filter. I often fall asleep listening to old Daily Audio Bible podcasts—no guilt if I drift off.
Break the End of Your Day Technology Habit: Wind Down.
If your phone stays by your bed, use a blue light filter app. Blue light stimulates the brain, making it harder to fall asleep. Sleep experts recommend turning off devices at least an hour before bed. For most of us, that’s not realistic. The filter helps. You can also try blue-light-blocking glasses. Invest in light-blocking curtains and/or a comfortable sleep mask if you are a light sleeper.
When you wake up, open your curtains. Let in as much light as possible. That’s tough in a Northern climate, I know. Try natural-light bulbs or a Seasonal Affective Disorder lamp. They’re much cheaper now. Morning sunlight resets your body clock.
Verse: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
5. Cut back on anxiety-triggering content.
Avoid hotheaded posts on social media. Unfollow or mute certain accounts for a while. If you use a browser to surf Facebook, there are browser extensions that help you block certain words so you don’t see any posts containing troubling content. During election season, these extensions are a godsend. FB Purity was the easiest for me to set up.
No news may be good news, but don’t stick your head in the sand.
When anxiety builds, I cut back on the news. I skim headlines once a day and avoid speculative diatribes—political or religious—at all costs. If God wants me to know something, He’ll lead me to a trusted, reasonable source who relies on solid research and proven data, not just personal opinion dressed up as revelation. If I read or see something that upsets me, I pray for that situation and hand it to God. Once I’ve done that, I remind myself I no longer have the right to keep worrying. In God’s kingdom, there’s no such thing as a legitimate worry.
Verse: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
It’s Time to Get Out of Your Cave. Resist Isolation.
6. Get outside.
Even ten minutes of fresh air can change your mood. In summer, take off your shoes and let the grass tickle your toes. A short walk around the block helps. If your body allows it, 30 minutes of brisk cardio can make a significant difference.
Verse: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
7. Talk to a healthy friend.
Open up to someone hopeful, empathetic, and practical. Invite them to speak into your life. They might see patterns that lead to anxiety—things you’ve missed on your own. Consider counselling or a pastoral prayer time.
Verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
Until Next Week
©2025 Katherine Walden
Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for my weekly email! Each message includes:
A devotional from me
That’s it—no spam, no extra emails, and your info stays safe. I use this list only for what I’ve promised.
Like what you read? You can help keep this ministry in several ways. Find out more here
