Faith and Anxiety Can Coexist
How many times have you heard someone say, "If you had more faith, you wouldn't have anxiety"?
I'm here to tell you that simply isn't true.
My faith in God is strong. I trust Him. I pray. I read His Word. I know He is faithful.
And I also experience anxiety.
For me, anxiety is connected to my fibromyalgia. It tends to appear when I'm stressed, overwhelmed, or overstimulated, and it often shows up at night. I'll suddenly feel shaky, like I want to jump out of my skin. My stomach becomes nauseous, my thoughts race, and sometimes all I want to do is cry.
I didn't choose those feelings.
But over time, I've learned that while I can't always control when anxiety shows up, I can choose how I respond to it.
That realization has changed everything.
Faith Doesn't Mean You'll Never Struggle
Throughout Scripture, we see faithful men and women who experienced fear, grief, discouragement, and overwhelming circumstances.
God never tells us that following Him means we'll never feel anxious.
Instead, He continually invites us to bring our anxiety to Him.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
— 1 Peter 5:7
Notice that Peter doesn't say faithful people never feel anxious.
He tells us what to do when we are.
Anxiety isn't proof that your faith is weak.
Sometimes it's simply a reminder that you're human.
What Has Helped Me
While everyone's experience is different, these are a few practices that have helped me when anxiety begins to rise.
1. Slow Down Before Your Body Forces You To
I've learned that anxiety often follows seasons of constant busyness.
When I ignore my need for rest, my body usually reminds me.
Now I intentionally build moments of quiet into my day—even if it's only a few minutes.
2. Spend Time with God Before Reaching for Your Phone
When my mind feels overwhelmed, Scripture helps anchor me in truth instead of fear.
Even reading one Psalm or praying a simple prayer can shift my focus from everything I can't control to the One who holds it all.
3. Pay Attention to What Your Body Is Telling You
For me, anxiety is often a signal that I've been carrying too much for too long.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing I can do is rest, drink water, eat nourishing food, step outside, or simply sit quietly with the Lord.
Rest isn't laziness.
It's wisdom.
4. Remember That Feelings Are Not Facts
Anxiety has a way of convincing us that something terrible is about to happen.
But feelings don't always tell the truth.
God's Word does.
When anxious thoughts begin to spiral, I gently remind myself of what I know to be true: God is with me. He is faithful. He has carried me before, and He will carry me again.
God Designed Us for Rest
One thing I've learned is that rest isn't optional.
It's part of God's design.
From the very beginning, God established rhythms of work and rest. Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray.
If the Son of God made time to step away from the crowds and rest, maybe we need to stop feeling guilty for doing the same.
Rest doesn't solve every problem.
But it creates space for our hearts to become quiet enough to hear God's voice again.
Sometimes the most healing words we can hear are the ones Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Not, "Come to me when you've stopped being anxious."
Not, "Come to me after you've figured everything out."
Just...
Come.
A Final Encouragement
If you've been struggling with anxiety, I hope you know this:
You are not a "less faithful" Christian.
You are deeply loved by God.
Bring your fears to Him.
Rest in His presence.
Take one small step at a time.
And remember that even when your heart feels unsettled, God remains steady.
His peace isn't found in having a life free from anxiety.
It's found in walking with Him through it.
If you're longing to create a slower, more peaceful rhythm with God, the Still Waters Rest Planner was designed to help you make space for Scripture, prayer, gratitude, and true rest—even in the middle of overwhelming seasons.