Trusting in Faith: Overcoming Anxiety Through Surrender

Anxiety can weigh heavily on our shoulders, tightening with every worry and fear that crosses our mind. It's a struggle many face, including me, leading to sleepless nights and restless days. In these moments, I feel so isolated. So alone. However, my trust in faith has offered a powerful remedy for my anxiety. By surrendering our worries to something greater than ourselves, we can find genuine peace and comfort.

In this blog, I will explore the connection between faith and anxiety, share practical prayer and meditation techniques for relief, and discuss how building a support system through faith community can help us break free from the anxiety that holds us back.

Understanding the Connection Between Faith and Anxiety

In Hebrews 11:1: Faith is identified as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things left unseen." This divine presence gives us the clarity, peace, and hope that we long for in the midst of chaos. A deep-rooted connection with our God that can greatly reduce our feelings of anxiety.

Take for example, individuals with strong faith report 30% lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who do not believe in a higher power. When I feel overwhelmed, I call on the Lord, my God for his guidance and understanding. Knowing there is a larger plan from him eases my burdens and can help me redirect my eyes on Him and his plan for me.

I think there is always this misconception of what having faith really means to those without it. Those of us who rely on our faith and divine understanding aren't seening the world through "rose-colored glasses," but rather we face challenges just like everyone else. The difference is that we are equipped with the Lord to navigate whatever life throws our way. We know this was God's plan all along and we are living in his greater purpose. Therefore, with His plan in mind, we can more easily shift our focus from anxiety, which empowers us to surrender all our fears to Him.

Praying & Meditating for Anxiety Relief

I have found the power of prayer to be so helpful in managing and calming my anxiety. Calling upon the Lord in times of struggle humbles me to realize that I am not alone in this infinite world of chaos. It also stills my heart and mind to be able to fix my eyes on Him, rather than my own convictions.

Prayer: A Conversation with the Divine

Prayer serves as a comforting channel for expressing fears and concerns. When I pray, I often start by thanking God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon me. Starting with gratitude always gets my mind out of the chaotic spiral mode and back into more stillness; really the "why" behind my belief in Him.

Next, I ask God for his guidance. In the stillness and (usually) silence, I just say, "God, I am here. Speak to me. Show me your ways. I want to follow you." Through this, I know he hears and feels my anxieties. I mean, he has written the story for me and knows me better than anyone. And I just listen. I listen for his word, his calling.

That listening can take some time and certainly patience. I have gotten much better at sitting in the waiting because of it. Recently, I came to God in prayer and just asked him to reveal my next steps to me and with that, I heard him say to me in the stillness, "Surrender it all." Meaning, give it all to Him. I cannot describe the peace I felt after listening to those words. Also, it scared me a little bit because I am someone who surrenders some, but certainly not all. That's the work I need to do on myself. Surrender it all.

If my story doesn't resonate with you, did you know that a recent survey revealed that 78% of those who pray regularly report feeling reduced anxiety levels, highlighting the increased mental health benefits of daily prayer.

Meditation: Finding Stillness Within

Meditation is another powerful tool for alleviating anxiety. I personally find peace through guided meditations that emphasize mindfulness. In a quiet space, I focus on my breath, envisioning each inhalation solidifying my faith while each exhalation releases my anxiety.

I love to use the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise, which helps me to redirect my focus from overwhelming thoughts:

1. 5 things I can see: I observe my surroundings---flowers in my yard or changing leaves on trees.

2. 4 things I can feel: The texture of my dog's fur or the warmth of sunlight.

3. 3 things I can hear: Birds chirping, the hum of a distant fan, or soft music.

4. 2 things I can smell: Fresh coffee brewing, a seasonal simmer pot, or subtle candle.

5. 1 thing I can taste: A sip of water or flavor of a mint.

For me, engaging in this activity promotes mindfulness, which grounds me in the present and prevents those spirals into additional worries.

Building Your Support System Through Faith

One significant component of my journey to overcome anxiety has been the support system I've developed. Engaging with fellow believers has provided me invaluable comfort, peace, and understanding.

My faith community has proven to be a safe space to voice my anxieties without the fear of judgement or ridicule. This group has also encouraged me to think bigger and provide larger beacon of hope for others experiencing similar feelings. Finding your people can be easier than you think. Have you ever thought that through everyday conversation, someone may be seeking a divine connection with God through you?

Embracing the Power of Faith in Regulating Anxiety

Anxiety can be an unyielding companion, but it doesn’t have to define our lives. By trusting in faith and surrendering our worry to God, we become empowered through Him. Calling upon our Father and taking a moment to practice the stillness of grounding are vital and applicable tools to lead us to break free and transform our anxieties into moments of surrender.

So breathe deeply, trust the process, and lean into your faith. Trust me, surrendering to God may just become your greatest ally in overcoming anxiety.

Tranquil landscape representing peace and faith