How To Reduce Anxiety  – Glorify Blog

The Bible says quite clearly that as Christians, we are not designed to live a life of anxiety and fear. So how do we reduce anxiety?

We have all read Philippians 4:6-7 and heard sermon after sermon. Perhaps we have even recommended it to others. This powerful teaching on anxiety, written by Paul, says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul doesn’t hit around the bush here. “Don’t worry about anything,” he said. He goes on to explain that the key to alleviating your anxiety is prayer and petition.

worry today

Where would you say your anxiety level is today? Are you worried about anything? Maybe something kept you up last night? The truth is, anxiety affects millions of us in the Church. So, how do we reconcile feelings of anxiety and restlessness with Paul’s exhortation not to worry about anything?

First, remember that you are loved, you are known, and God loves you. No matter how much you worry or how great your battle with anxiety, nothing can separate you from God’s love or lessen how much He longs for you.

Second, what the Bible offers is a wonderful invitation. An invitation to live worry-free. We believe that God heals all and conquers all. No matter how great your anxiety or how widespread your anxiety is, God can heal all.

How to reduce anxiety: What does the Bible say?

Paul’s teaching in the book of Philippians provides a great starting point for learning how to reduce anxiety.

In his letter, Paul said that in all situations we need to pray. Sounds simple right? But it’s easy to forget to pray about something that’s worrying us. Maybe it’s a meeting at work, stress in a relationship or fear about an upcoming trip? Remember to pray for every situation, even if they seem petty or mundane. God wants to come and transform not only the important areas of your life, He cares about them all.

Next we have the word ‘suggestion’ or ‘invocation’. The word Paul used here is a Greek word ‘deēsei’. This word carries an implication that you are wanting or lacking. In the truest sense, it was a sincere request motivated by a deeply personal need. Asking God automatically puts us in a position of humility. To petition to admit a personal omission. In doing so, we reaffirm God’s place in our lives and on our thrones. This humble pose is a deeply transformative, healing pose for us to do.

Paul not only encouraged us to pray about every situation, but he also reminded us to submit all of our sincere desires to God. He teaches us to take our needs, whether personal or emotional, and give them to the Lord.

Thanksgiving

Next, Paul tells us to give everything to God with thanksgiving: “Give to God with thanksgiving what you ask for.”

This passage is a serious challenge. In teaching about anxiety and how to express your deep, personal needs to God, Paul encourages us to be grateful.

While we worry, while we worry and while we are desperately on our knees before God, we are told to be grateful.

At the same time, we must vent our deepest hurts and declare thanks. We must be honest about our concerns with the Lord while thanking Him.

This is not always easy. In fact, it is often very difficult. Can you spend time praying to God with endless gratitude and thanks after learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer? Or while dealing with severe financial pressure? Or a broken relationship?

Paul’s unique formula for living worry-free is this: giving thanks to God in all circumstances, in all times of prayer. Leave our souls bare to Him. To pray about everything.

A beautiful exchange

Paul posed the great challenge of continuing to be grateful even in our darkest moments, but next he made an amazing invitation.

The apostle describes the wonderful exchange that takes place when you turn your worries over to the Lord.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

God wants to exchange our worries, fears, and pains in exchange for His perfect peace.

A peace that surpasses all understanding is a peace that can carry you through your hardest days and most anxious moments.

Imagine the peace of the presence of Jesus, walking with you. While your circumstances may not change immediately, you are no longer alone. Prince of Peace is with you, opening the way forward.

Paul’s teaching is simple and clear: when we are always grateful, praying, and begging for our worries, we will receive God’s peace.

This beautiful exchange is offered to all of us.

Daily tips for immediate anxiety relief

If you find yourself stuck in a series of anxious thoughts, here are some tips on how to reduce your anxiety in the meantime.

deep breath

Your breath is a great ally in moments of anxiety. One simple way to use breathing work to help in moments of overwhelming overwhelmingness is to simply focus on exhaling longer than inhaling.

Simply slowing down and focusing on your breath as you lengthen your exhale can help you find calm in a stressful moment.

Pull it out

If you’re somewhere with some space and privacy, try doing a series of gentle stretches. Moving your body intentionally can be very soothing. If stretching isn’t an option, try a short walk, even just around the block.

Adjust

There is a range of audio meditations and devotions designed to reduce anxiety on the Glorify app. Find somewhere peaceful and take a minute to adjust to one. Let it give you the words to pray for and the Bible to claim to help in that moment.

How to Reduce Anxiety: Your Glorious Playlist

Here are two tracks on Glorify to use this week as you yield to God’s beautiful change of peace to worry.

Meditate with: I will not worrynarrated by Luciane Collins

Pray with: A prayer for anxiety narrated by Boaz Dawson

Zetong Li’s photo on Unsplash