Young Adults + Our StoriesSample

Anxiety is Strong, but God’s Goodness is Stronger: Isabelle's Story

I've struggled with anxiety all my life — through my parent’s divorce, my dad’s addiction, my sister’s addiction, high school, college, and into young adulthood. I suffered from panic attacks and anxious thinking for as long as I can remember. My mind became flooded with endless scenarios of what could happen... What if this happened?...

The anxious thoughts were fixated on my career, relationships, and character. These thoughts combined with physical symptoms of fatigue, nausea, weight loss, dizziness, palpitations, light-headedness, and so much more. It held me hostage in my dark bedroom to ruminate and feel as though I would never move forward. I actually believed God was giving me anxiety to tell me something. I believed he was inflicting this pain as a mental and physical torment to communicate with me and guide me through life.

It wasn’t until I came to truly know Jesus that I realized this was, in fact, not from God but from the enemy. The enemy was attacking my mind and giving me anxiety. The enemy does this as a strategic tactic to distract us from the truth of our God. If the enemy can get us focused on the future, on scenarios that have not and may never happen, then he can strip us away from the present.

This tactic takes our focus off Jesus so we don’t feel the peace, love, and hope he gives us right now. Jesus is always with us, ready to give us peace and clarity. Not once, through my bouts of anxiety, did Jesus ever leave my side. I look back on the times I was stuck and couldn’t leave my room, and I see Jesus sitting next to me, holding my hand, wiping away my tears, and whispering to me the truths of his love and reminders that he is for me, never against me. Just as he is for you, with you, loves you, and patiently waits for you to bring all your fears to him in faith that he is in control and will never lead you astray.

Now, when I have panic attacks or unexpected bouts of anxiety, I do a couple of things. I pray and give all my worries over to God. Wherever I am, I stop and pray. Prayer walks with my dog have been of great benefit. I pray for God's peace, wisdom, and presence over my situation. But when I can't bring myself to pray, I ask others to pray for me. Often, I've discovered they will reach out to other people and request prayers for me. I read the Bible, meditate on it, and memorize verses that bring me peace and remind me of God’s goodness. Finally, I talk to someone about it. I call a friend, a leader, family — someone who has a deep relationship with Christ, and I'll talk to them about it.

Pray Over Your Story

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your presence. Although my mind is in shambles, I know you're with me, pouring your peace and love into my heart and spirit. Lord, shift my gaze from the troubles of the future and back onto you, who is present in the moment. May my gaze forever focus on you and my troubles melt away, for you're in control. I pray for a peaceful mind, calm spirit, and joyful heart. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.