The Opposite of Anxiety

By Danny Saavedra

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” Isaiah 28:16 (NIV)

Have you ever been stricken with panic? Have you ever been engulfed in anxiety and fear—the kind of feeling that makes you want to run and hide from whatever is causing your anxiety as if you were fleeing a madman with a chainsaw in a horror film? 

More and more, we see people—even as young as middle schoolers—experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, even having panic attacks. For those gripped by fear and anxiety, it often seems as though there are no answers, no rest, relief, or respite. It’s altogether paralyzing. I’ve seen it happen to friends and close family—and even from my vantage point, I struggle to find answers or comfort for the afflicted.  

In Isaiah, we’re given the ONLY answer that makes a difference: the cornerstone of Zion, which refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. But why does the Lord refer to Himself as the cornerstone in Zion? Theologian Albert Barnes explains, “To lay a cornerstone in Zion means that his kingdom would be founded on a rock, and would be secure amidst all the storms that might beat upon it.” You see, the word Zion essentially means fortification. It implies security and protection; it alludes to being raised up.

What's even more interesting is the concept of the cornerstone. Did you know that ancient kings like Solomon used to employ foundational stones of enormous size and weight to the corners of buildings? The cornerstones of Solomon's temple were more than 38 feet long and weighed more than 100 tons. Now that’s a pretty strong foundation—and that’s exactly what we have in Jesus: an unbreakable, unshakeable, immovable foundation that stands the test of time and keeps us standing in the face of panic-inducing winds and terrifying storms. 

We who have His Spirit in us—who live by Him, in Him, and through Him—have nothing to fear. We can be “pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV). We can have courage because we know our Savior is in complete control! And just like David said to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV), we can be “strong and courageous, and do the work” God has called us to, live the life He set apart for us, and walk in the purposes and plans He has for us without anxiety!  

This is not to trivialize anyone’s struggles with anxiety, as the struggle is very real! But there is rest and freedom in the arms of our sovereign Lord. We find our security in Him, and we can rest with confidence and walk with courage because we know He will not fail or forsake us.

Pause: Have you ever struggled with anxiety and/or panic attacks? What did you do in those seasons? 

Practice: If you find yourself in a place of panic, please e-mail us today! Do not hesitate. We’re here for you, and we want to walk with you through this debilitating season. If you know someone who is struggling, spend the next week fasting and praying for them. 

Pray: Father, I thank You and praise You for always being in control. Help me today to not walk in fear and anxiety, but to experience Your peace, comfort, and strength. Reveal to me the necessary steps to live without fear and anxiety, whether it be counseling, medical treatment, intercessory prayer, or anything else. And help me to take those steps as You direct. I know You’re in control and I trust You. Amen.