If you look up “anxiety in the bible” on Google, you get a whole wide world of how to’s…how to give your anxiety to God, how to get rid of anxiety forever, how to be better without anxiety. While admittedly, all of these sound appealing and quite frankly the better option, I find that writing an article about ridding ourselves of anxiety isn’t quite the same thing as actually doing it.

About four months ago my best friend lost her job, a week later her fiancé lost his job and they were living in his parent’s basement — saying they had anxiety probably wouldn’t even touch the scale of their absolute and overwhelming misery. Fast forward to two weeks ago, they both have great jobs, bought a new house and are getting married in two months. The time in which it went from despair and unknowing to ‘wow, look at our amazing lives’ was incredible and mind-blowing.

The Lord knew…the Lord always knows. But sometimes it’s still stupid, frustrating and we wonder why things can’t be easier?

Just because the Lord has it all in His hands does not mean we won’t feel anxiety, stress or all the other words you could use. It just means that for those who follow the Lord we know that ultimately, whether it takes a long time or happens immediately, we have someone to trust in who will never let us go.

As I am writing this, it sounds super cheesy and the Bible answer, but to be honest, that’s all I have right now. I, too, as well as my fiancé, haven’t had jobs for five months, we are getting married next year and we want to buy a house — I have no idea how this all works, the only thing I know is that I cannot let go of the Lord.

No one knew the world was going to take this turn and everyone is dealing with some sort of anxiety, whether it be from a job loss or having to be mother, father, teacher, nanny, all of the above. It is overwhelming and not fair. But, through the sadness, anxiety and pity parties, when we focus, truly focus, and trust in the Lord, He can help calm us, even if just a little.

He has given us so many examples in the Bible of ordinary people, like us, going through extraordinary circumstances and he brings them through with a purpose. I think that the goal during this time should be, how can we make ourselves better through Him? Will we have learned something, anything? What will we be able to accomplish despite these hurdles? How have we been able to rely on the Lord more?

I don’t know how my story, or anyone’s story, is going to turn out. I do know that if I cling to the Lord with everything I have He will make something beautiful out of my mess.

I encourage you when life feels overwhelming and your anxiety is too much, just dwell. Dwell on the Lord, pray, sing, yell, do whatever you have to do to be with Him — He understands it all.

We will one day look back at this moment in history and we will all have a story of what we did. When the world came crashing down around us, who did we turn to? How, despite everything, did we come out better people? We focused on the Lord…

If you are having anxiety, I encourage you to look up some verses and soak them into your lives. Post them around your house, know them by heart and when life gets overwhelming, cling to the Lord, because He really is in control. It may not be easier, and it may still feel like a storm is raging, but allow the Lord to carry your burden and be your rock.

Below are a few verses to get you started:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19, NIV)

“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4, NIV)

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3, NIV)

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:27, NIV)

Responding to Anxiety: Dwell