One of the first things I encountered when I started having anxiety and panic attacks was the myths and stigma from people of faith.
I was a mom and had never experienced severe anxiety before. I was really shy about this taboo subject of mental health. I am an encourager by nature, serving as a Bible teacher and leader in church ministries. I didn’t want other people to think there was something wrong with my faith, but unfortunately, those were some of the first responses that I got.
Maybe you’re not praying enough?
Maybe there’s a hidden sin you’re not addressing?
Maybe you’re not reading the Bible enough or trusting God enough?
Although they were well-meaning, these words hurt me.
Do you identify with any of these questions of doubt? Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of worry, stress, or anxiety? It’s easy to feel so isolated. But, we are not alone. God is with us! And rather than judge each other, we can encourage each other.
While researching what both Scripture and science had to say about anxiety, I discovered that many people were grossly misinformed about anxiety.
Today, I want to share the three biggest lies I encountered and three powerful truths that helped me let go of guilt and shame. I know these will encourage you too! So, pour yourself a cup of tea as you soak in the goodness for your soul!
MYTH #1: Jesus commanded us not to worry, so if you worry, you are sinning.
TRUTH #1: Jesus encourages us not to worry about money.
In Matthew 6:25, Jesus was not issuing a command that makes worry an act of sin. Rather, He is reassuring us with words of encouragement! So that when we do worry, we don’t have to stay worried. Jesus was reminding us that just as our Heavenly Father takes care of the birds and flowers, He will take care of us!
So when you’re buckling under the weight of worry, try this: In a soothing, loving voice, with kindness to yourself, whisper Jesus’ words, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself…” (Matthew 6:34 NASB). Doesn’t it change the whole feel of loving encouragement? So be at peace, sister. God understands why you worry, and He loves you. He is a God of comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:4).
MYTH #2: If you don’t have peace or joy, you must not be trusting God enough.
TRUTH #2: Emotional honesty is part of faith, and faith is the intimate act of trusting God with your real self instead of hiding how you feel or trying to do or be more.
Jesus tenderly whispers, “Don’t hide.” He invites us to come, and He promises to give rest to our souls (Matthew 11:28). We’re invited to come to Him weary, confused, numb, anxious, angry, or stressed. Jesus tells us to simply come as we are — imperfectly His.
MYTH #3: If you read God’s Word more, pray more, praise more, give thanks more, you will not struggle with the past.
TRUTH #3: Faith is not emotional amnesia. Faith gives us courage to face the brokenness of life and heal from the losses we’ve suffered.
Jesus Himself obeyed, prayed, praised, and gave thanks perfectly. Yet He suffered emotional trauma, overwhelmed by impending physical and emotional abuse, abandonment and betrayal. (See Mark 14:34-35.) In His human form, Jesus models full dependence on the Father. Jesus entrusts His present pain and His future into God’s loving hands.
When the Apostle Paul encourages us not to be anxious but to pray, give thanks, and present our requests to God (Philippians 4:6-7), he is pointing us to the peace available when we take our problems to God, rather than striving for peace based on our own ability to resolve our struggles.
Therefore friends, whatever you are facing today, just breathe. God knows the truth of your challenges and He loves you unconditionally. God will take care of you.
Preorder Bonnie’s new book, Breathe and then sign up for her FREE Breathe Online Bible Study: 21 Ways to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm to break free from worry, stress, and anxiety in the new year. (Starts January 10 – click here).
Bonnie this is such a wonderful encouragement. Truths we can lean into to tell ourselves when we’re headed into those cycles. AND to share with those who are anxious & worried to truly encourage not add to the shame & lies Satan is already whispering in their ears. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Bonnie!
I loved this! Especially your suggestion under Myth #1 – it definitely shifted my thinking, thank you so much Bonnie!
The brokenness in my family is overwhelming and my anxiety is an all time high. I think my mountain is too big to move even for God. I pray to see God‘s hand on our situation and him working on my behalf. Please pray for me and my family.
Dearest Father deepen Julie’s faith roots by proving her wrong that YOU ARE BIGGER than the brokenness in her family. Move in each member to see You & Your power in their lives to enable restoration in their relationships with each other and more importantly with You. Provide a miracle that all will see Your work and praise You. Encourage Julie that she is not alone that she has heavenly siblings she has never met standing in the gap praying for her & her family. Protect her from discouragement, weariness & anxiety as only You can. Thank You for her transparency and the privilege we have of praying. In Your Almighty name, Jesus, Amen. (((0)))
Thank you & bless you dear Ruth❤️
Julie,
Praying for you & your family sweet sister. Abba Father, Please move on behalf of Julie & her family. Heal the brokenness in her family, give them a sense of peace & calm. Help their faith to increase. Shower them with your truth & grace. Encourage Julie that she isn’t alone in her struggle. There are many people praying for her & the family. Quiet their weary souls. Give her eyes to see & arms to feel you moving in this situation. In Jesus Name AMEN
Blessings 🙂
Thank you Bonnie. Beautiful and “freeing” words! When I STOP, breathe and calm myself I know.. really know..
“He loves me unconditionally. He knows me. God will take care of me.
Thank you God \0/
Thank you for your post. My daughter suffers from anxiety and I sometimes catch myself thinking some of the lies you pointed out when trying to figure out the best way to help her.
This was a great encouragement and reminder.
Amen!
I’ve been living with Chronic Depression, for the last 25+ yrs. BUT, my relationship to God has continued to grow stronger, each time I’ve turned to God, in the midst of my dis-ability. I celebrate each emotional victory; & see it truthfully, as another step in my Healing Journey!
Beautiful. Thank you for this. I think so many need to hear this and will benefit from it. I know I did and am.
Dear Bonnie, I loved your words in this post! Maybe people need to be reminded, too, that it’s okay to seek help from a counselor, too. I think God would want us to reach out for help from other humans, when we need it. That’s okay. It can be part of God’s plan for us!
I am suffering with depression, fear and anxiety….the longest of my life. I lean on the Lord and His promises every day and night. But this feels debilitating. I am 76 and it strips me of strength. Please pray for me for deliverance and healing. I pray for many others also daily. God bless you all!
I am so blessed by your devotion today. I have believed those lies and it only makes the anxiety worse. David worried, lamented and praised (often within the same psalm) and he was a man after God’s own heart.
Nice and truthful words! Thanks!
Bonnie, thank you for your words of encouragement and the reminder that God is always there even when I feel alone. God is faithful and He keeps His promises.
Thank you for these encouraging words and scripture. I too am in a season of anxiety & depression. I have had a few people of faith say these negative things to me. I searched for the truth and was encourage by other believers of God’s Love for me. I pray for all those struggling with this. I know that God knows all things and believe He has a purpose to help me grow if His Love.
Bonnie thank you for this. People can be quick to judge you say this and this. Without finding out what is causing you to have anxiety. People have anxiety for all different reason. So we are to do as God would want us to do not judge if why they are in the anxiety they are in. I believe God would want us to love them and pray with them if they will let you. Say to them God know what your going through and why your going through the anxiety you are. If will not let you pray for them. Tell them you will pray for them when saying your prayers. If they want your there for them. If do just want to talk about what is causing the anxiety they have. They can call you. You will be there to listen to them. If they need further help. As well as you listing to them and praying with them. If they will go tell them to get help from if saved a Christian Counselor. Who will no how to help them deal with Anxiety in a Christian way if they need further help. They are trained people to listen to you. Help you in anyway they can. Plus see how God would help you and what his words says. As this song says it good oldie one. “water Friend We have in Jesus all our sins and greifs to bear what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer” That is so true this song. We have God who knows what we are going through and is there for us and longs for us to pray to him and tell him about it. Plus that is why God sent Christian Consulers to also help us in the Love of God. If we need them. Thank you Bonnie for what you shared and your three very good points. Love and big hugs to you all and everyone incourage in my prayers Dawn Ferguson-Little xx
Bonnie,
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. These truths & self care tips will help many people. Most people don’t really understand anxiety & depression. They have no idea how it can affect a person. As a Christian we need to be encouraging each other. I encourage everyone to seek help if needed. Remember there is nothing wrong with you or your faith. It could actually be a medical problem-hormonal imbalance. You are loved by Almighty God who understands you better than you know.
Blessings 🙂