Written by Rayel Harvey, a Student of Psychology passionate about Jesus and serving his people

At the beginning of the year I caught that new surge of energy and inspiration for a fresh start. Some new changes that would lead to different outcomes for a better quality of life. Not necessarily a “new year new me” vibe but more of a “how can this year be better than the last?” 

Moving through the new year, I had new expectations and even somewhat of a plan on how to execute the new lifestyle I’m growing towards. But, a pesky problem is threatening my ideal world. And no it’s just my anxiety but my anxiety about anxiety. The discouragement, and sense of defeat when I realized that despite my faith, my prayers, my medication, and my best efforts, I still feel anxious.

I’ve known anxiety for a long time, though I can’t say we’re friends. And, given our history I figured I’d know how to deal with it whenever it pops up. I’m praying to God and recalling His word. I even thought that it was personally beneficial for me to get on medication which I take 20mg (faithfully). Yet the anxiety that persisted gave me grief. I would often begin to worry if I’m doing something wrong. I wrestle with thoughts like, “I should have overcome this by now,” “Is my faith not strong enough?” “What does this mean for my life?” 

Can you relate? 

I don’t doubt that you’ve prayed, I don’t doubt that you aren’t in your word reading scriptures like (paraphrased) “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Do not be anxious for nothing, instead pray about everything”…

I don’t doubt that you’re doing the breathing exercises, doing the therapy; and I wanna cheer for you. Keep doing it! We’re in this together. But what if the missing piece isn’t another strategy? What if the breakthrough isn’t found in eliminating anxiety, but in releasing the pressure to do so?

So this isn’t another “how-to” article about overcoming anxiety. This is an article about helping us live out this truth: that anxiety does not define us, limit us or separate us from God’s purpose. And that includes the anxiety about anxiety. 

Let’s Unpack

We must remember that believing in Jesus and what He’s done for our lives doesn’t guarantee a struggle-free existence but it does guarantee that our struggle doesn’t have the final say. It is written: Scripture reminds us of this; “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).  Scripture also reminds us that Jesus ransomed our lives from this world of darkness and disease. Yet we still experience its effects, not as a sign of failure but as a space where His grace is sufficient. Where His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). 

So instead of worrying, “Why am I still anxious?” or “Will this always hold me back?”, what if we trusted that God has already accounted for every moment of doubt, every sleepless night, every racing thought, every interruption of productivity? What if the real triumph isn’t in erasing anxiety but in walking forward despite it?

You may experience its symptoms, but it’s no longer writing your story. It will not set you back from God’s plans nor His embrace of you.

And it’s from this space that we can utilize our tools (breathing exercises, medication, scripture, therapy etc.) to combat the initial anxiety more effectively and most of all with the confidence that, “I got through this before and I can get through it again. This will never shorten the hand of my God!”