Finding Peace in the Middle of Anxiety and Depression
Table of Contents
Hello friends,
Let’s talk about something real today: anxiety and depression. This is the heavy stuff, the kind of thing most of us would rather sweep under the rug and not mention. God cares about every part of our lives, even the parts we hide. He is with us in the messy, the painful, and the hopeful.
I have walked this road. Maybe you have too. If you haven’t, you probably know someone who has. The good news is that God speaks into our struggles, and His Word offers comfort, truth, and a way forward. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, open your Bible, and let’s sit with this a little while.
You Are Not Broken
Struggling with anxiety or depression does not make you a bad Christian. It makes you a human Christian. God didn’t call us to be perfect or unfeeling. He called us to bring our whole selves to Him — the hurt, the fear, the confusion, and the hope.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
This verse is an invitation. God is saying, “Unload your baggage on Me. I can handle it.” He cares because He loves you, not because you earned it or because you have everything together.
Anxiety: When Your Mind Runs in Circles
Anxiety is like your brain running the Boston Marathon at 3 a.m. without your permission. The Bible recognizes our worry and gives us a place to bring it.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing” does not mean ignore reality. It means don’t live consumed by worry. Bring your cares to God. Talk to Him. Tell Him the things that keep you up. Then wait on the peace He gives.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7
This promise is for real. It is a peace that sometimes doesn’t make sense to the world, but it steadies our hearts.
Depression: When the Load Feels Too Heavy
Depression can feel like carrying a weight that never leaves you. The Psalms show us that even people God used greatly felt cast down and cried out to the Lord.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” — Psalm 42:11
David was honest about his feelings and he reminded himself where to place his hope. Hope is not in our feelings. Hope is in God.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Jesus invites the weary and burdened. He does not call the perfect. He calls those who are tired and need rest for their souls.
My Story: A Personal Moment of Mercy
I want to share something personal, because authenticity matters. I also struggle with severe anxiety and depression. Some days it is hard to get out of bed. I have battled social anxiety for as long as I can remember. It has made forming friendships difficult, finding and keeping jobs challenging, and made me fearful of judgment and danger. Those fears were real and they felt suffocating. I still feel scared at times. I cannot simply switch off my emotions.
One of my favorite verses:
Matthew 6:34. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
This verse is Jesus’ gentle reminder that worrying about tomorrow doesn’t solve today’s problems. Tomorrow will have its own challenges, and piling them onto today just makes life heavier. Instead, He calls us to focus on the present moment, trusting that God will walk with us one day at a time.
I found it at one of my lowest moments, when I was terrified of tomorrow and on the verge of doing something permanent because I felt I could not handle another day. That verse showed up like a hand pulling me back from the edge. I clung to it and I kept going. I am still here, and my bond with the Lord has grown stronger through it all.
Since then I have had many joyful moments and some very hard ones too. Putting my faith in the Lord helps me carry those burdens because He carries them with me. He lightens my load and reminds me there is a plan. I am happily in a relationship with a Man that loves God too, something I never thought would happen for me because I was so scared of people I thought it was impossible for me to ever build enough comfort with someone before they gave up. We hope for a family someday. Money is tight right now and circumstances are simple — I live in a shed for now — but I have a roof, clothes, food, and the Lord provides in ways big and small. He lifts me up and I will prevail. He provides for me.
If you are carrying something similar, please know you are not alone. You do not have to pretend everything is fine. Sharing honestly about where you are is brave and holy work.
The Holy Spirit, Our Comforter
We have a Helper who brings truth and comfort when our feelings lie to us.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” — John 14:26
The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s promises and brings peace in places only He can reach.
Community Matters
We are not meant to walk alone.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17
Allow trusted people to walk alongside you. Let a friend, a pastor, or a counselor be with you. God often uses people to bring healing and strength.
Practical Reminders
Here are a few simple, practical things that can help alongside prayer and Scripture.
Pray about small things and big things. Speak honestly to God.
Let someone know when you are struggling. Safety and support matter.
Consider professional help when things feel overwhelming. Counseling, therapy, and medical care are not signs of weak faith. They are tools God uses.
Celebrate small wins. Getting out of bed, making a meal, or answering a phone call can be victories.
If you ever find yourself in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, please reach out for help right away. Contact local emergency services or a trusted person. If you are able, find a mental health professional, crisis line, or someone in your community who can assist. You do not have to go through this alone.
(Check out the resources page –HERE– to find help!)
What This Means for You
Your struggles do not disqualify you from God’s love. Anxiety and depression do not scare Him. He invites you to bring your burdens to Him daily. Peace, rest, and hope are promises He gives. You do not have to fight alone.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28
A Short Prayer
Lord, I bring my fear, my heaviness, and my confusion to You. Help me to trust You with tomorrow and to feel Your presence today. Remind me of Your promises when my mind lies to me. Send people to walk with me. Give rest to the weary and hope to the discouraged. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Until next time, remember this: God’s peace is bigger than your fear, and His love is stronger than your despair.
With love,
Courtney
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