Finding Peace Amidst Anxiety: Embracing God's Presence

Summary

Life on this side of Eden is marked by a deep tension: we are both frail, earthen vessels and beloved children of God, indwelt by His Spirit. This tension is especially evident in our experience of anxiety. Rather than seeing anxiety as a shameful failure or a sign of weak faith, it’s important to recognize it as a normal part of being human in a broken world. Scripture doesn’t ignore anxiety; instead, it addresses it with both compassion and practical wisdom. Jesus, in Matthew 6, calls us to a perspective rooted in God’s care and sovereignty, reminding us that our lives are held by a loving Father who knows our needs. Paul, in Philippians 4, offers a response: to bring our anxieties to God in prayer, to practice gratitude, and to focus our minds on what is true and good.

Anxiety is not simply a spiritual issue; it is a complex interplay of mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, what feels like spiritual despair is actually rooted in physical exhaustion, poor nutrition, or even medical conditions like hyperthyroidism. At other times, anxiety exposes deep fears and insecurities—about our worth, our salvation, or our ability to measure up. The key is honest self-assessment: to ask what’s really driving our anxiety, to rule out physical causes, and to reflect on the rhythms and relationships that have helped us thrive in the past.

Practical steps are essential. Begin by calming the body—through deep breathing, grounding exercises, or simply slowing down. Then, anchor the mind in life-giving perspectives: the steadfast love of God, your identity in Christ, and the hope of His purposes. Make intentional choices that align with these truths—practicing gratitude, choosing joy, living in forgiveness, and engaging in spiritual disciplines. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is available to you, not parceled out in small doses, but in abundance because God delights in you.

Anxiety thrives on attention and isolation. Instead of wrestling endlessly with anxious thoughts, bring them into the light—tell Jesus about them, and then pivot your focus to the greater truth of who God is and what He is doing. Move forward, even in small ways, into the next moment of faithfulness. And when you walk with others who are struggling, be present with them, not to fix, but to embody the with-ness of Emmanuel. In all things, hold the tension: acknowledge the reality of anxiety, but anchor yourself in the unchanging goodness and presence of God.

Key Takeaways

- The Christian life is lived in a real tension between our frailty and God’s indwelling presence. Anxiety is not a sign of spiritual failure, but a normal part of life in a fallen world. Recognizing this frees us from shame and allows us to approach God honestly, knowing He meets us in our weakness. [14:33]

- Anxiety is a holistic experience, involving mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, what we interpret as spiritual struggle is actually rooted in physical or emotional factors—like exhaustion, overwork, or medical issues. Honest self-assessment, including attention to physical health and life changes, is a vital first step in discerning the roots of our anxiety. [47:31]

- Perspective and response are crucial. Scripture calls us to anchor our perspective in God’s sovereignty and care (Matthew 6), and to respond by bringing our anxieties to Him in prayer, practicing gratitude, and focusing on what is true and good (Philippians 4). These are not quick fixes, but ongoing practices that shape our hearts and minds over time. [56:14]

- The fruit of the Spirit is not given in small, measured doses, but is abundantly available because of God’s delight in us. Even when we don’t feel patient, joyful, or peaceful, we can “put on” these dispositions by faith, trusting that God is at work in us and through us. This is a practical way to walk in the Spirit, especially in anxious moments. [01:00:53]

- Anxiety loses its power when we bring it into the light and pivot our focus to God’s greater truth. Instead of getting trapped in endless self-analysis or argument with anxious thoughts, we are invited to “tell on” our anxieties to Jesus and then move forward in faith. This 10/90 rule—10% noticing, 90% pivoting—helps us live anchored in God’s presence and purpose, even when anxiety persists. [01:09:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:27] - The Dichotomy of Christian Life and Anxiety
[14:33] - Shame, Anxiety, and the Christian Experience
[17:01] - Group Reflection: What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
[20:49] - Describing Anxiety: Mind, Body, and Soul
[24:35] - Doubt, Salvation, and Spiritual Struggle
[27:45] - Anxiety as a Bully: The Power of Attention
[29:57] - Personal Story: Seminary, Coffee, and Anxiety
[36:20] - The Mind-Body-Soul Connection
[39:18] - How the Brain Processes Anxiety
[44:52] - Where We Can Act: Beliefs and Spiritual Anchoring
[47:31] - The Importance of Self-Assessment and Physical Health
[52:40] - Remembering the Best Version of Yourself
[56:14] - Life-Giving Perspectives and Choices
[01:00:53] - Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit
[01:09:13] - The 10/90 Rule: Noticing and Pivoting
[01:13:57] - Calming the Body: Practical Techniques
[01:16:19] - Faith, Fear, and Moving Forward
[01:17:42] - Q&A: Relationships, Support, and Reflection
[01:23:37] - Closing and Next Steps

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living with Anxiety and God’s Presence

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 6:25-34
(“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”)

- Philippians 4:4-9
(“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice... Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 6, what examples does Jesus use to show God’s care for us, and how does He connect this to our anxiety?
(Birds of the air, lilies of the field, God knowing our needs) [08:27]

2. According to Philippians 4, what are the specific actions Paul tells believers to take when they feel anxious?
(Prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, focusing on what is true and good) [08:27]

3. The sermon described anxiety as a “normal part of being human in a broken world.” What are some physical, emotional, or spiritual symptoms of anxiety that were mentioned?
(Tight chest, sleeplessness, racing thoughts, doubts about salvation, feeling trapped) [20:49]

4. What practical steps did the speaker suggest for calming the body and mind when experiencing anxiety?
(Deep breathing, grounding exercises, slowing down, self-assessment) [01:13:57]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus repeats “do not be anxious” several times in Matthew 6? What does this repetition suggest about the human experience and God’s understanding of us? [08:27]

2. The sermon says anxiety is not just a spiritual issue, but involves mind, body, and soul. How does this holistic view change the way Christians might respond to anxiety? [36:20]

3. In Philippians 4, Paul links prayer and thanksgiving with peace. Why might gratitude be so important in the process of overcoming anxiety? [56:14]

4. The speaker mentioned that anxiety “thrives on attention and isolation.” What does it mean to “bring anxiety into the light,” and how might this help break its power? [01:09:13]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon encouraged honest self-assessment, including checking for physical causes of anxiety (like exhaustion or medical issues). When you feel anxious, do you tend to look for physical, emotional, or spiritual causes first? What might change if you started with a holistic self-check? [47:31]

2. Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” What is one area of your life where anxiety is keeping you from seeking God’s kingdom first? What would it look like to “pivot” your focus in that area this week? [08:27]

3. The speaker shared about practicing gratitude even in hard circumstances. Can you name one thing you are genuinely thankful for right now, even if your situation is difficult? How could you make gratitude a daily habit? [56:14]

4. The “10/90 rule” was described as spending 10% of your energy noticing anxious thoughts and 90% pivoting to God’s truth. What is one anxious thought you need to “tell on” to Jesus this week? What truth about God can you focus on instead? [01:09:13]

5. The fruit of the Spirit is available in abundance, not just in small doses. Is there a specific fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) you struggle to “put on” when you’re anxious? What is one practical way you can practice that fruit this week? [01:00:53]

6. The sermon talked about the power of “with-ness”—being present with others in their anxiety, not trying to fix them but just being there. Who in your life might need you to simply “be with” them this week? How can you show up for them? [01:21:35]

7. The speaker suggested remembering the “best version” of yourself and the rhythms that helped you thrive. Looking back, what habits or relationships helped you feel most grounded in God’s love? Is there one you could return to or strengthen this month? [52:40]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share one area of anxiety and pray for each other, asking God to anchor each person in His steadfast love and presence.

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God’s Provision and Perspective in Anxiety
When anxiety threatens to overwhelm, it is easy to become consumed by worries about daily needs and the uncertainties of tomorrow. Yet, Jesus calls us to shift our perspective, reminding us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and values us deeply. By looking at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, we are invited to see that God is the author and sustainer of our lives, holding our stories even when we feel out of control. Anchoring ourselves in this truth helps us to release the illusion of control and rest in the assurance that God is present, writing our story with care and love. [08:27]

Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to maintain control out of anxiety? How can you intentionally release that to God today, trusting His care for you?


Day 2: Responding to Anxiety with Prayer and Gratitude
When anxiety arises, our response matters. Scripture encourages us not to suppress or feel shame about our anxious thoughts, but to bring them to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. By honestly presenting our requests and worries to God, we open ourselves to His peace—a peace that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds. Focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable helps to reorient our minds and hearts toward God’s presence and goodness, even in the midst of anxious moments. [12:09]

Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV)
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Reflection: When anxiety surfaces today, can you pause to pray honestly and thank God for one specific thing, inviting His peace into your heart?


Day 3: Embracing the Mind-Body-Soul Connection
Anxiety is not just a spiritual or emotional issue—it affects our whole being: mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, anxiety is intensified by physical factors like lack of sleep, overwork, or even medical conditions. Self-assessment is a vital rhythm, helping us discern what might be contributing to our anxiety and reminding us to care for our bodies as well as our spirits. By paying attention to our physical health, life changes, and daily rhythms, we can make practical adjustments that support our well-being and help us better anchor ourselves in God’s truth. [38:07]

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to care for your body—such as rest, nutrition, or exercise—that might help you manage anxiety more effectively?


Day 4: Practicing Life-Giving Perspectives and Choices
Overcoming anxiety is not about eradicating it, but about learning to pivot toward life-giving perspectives and choices. This means intentionally focusing on God’s steadfast love, practicing gratitude, choosing joy, and living in forgiveness. Even when circumstances are difficult, declaring God’s goodness and presence can shift our mindset and help us walk in the freedom and hope He offers. By practicing the fruit of the Spirit and savoring God’s daily kindnesses, we can experience His nearness and strength, even in anxious seasons. [58:44]

Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

Reflection: What is one life-giving perspective or choice you can intentionally practice today—such as gratitude, forgiveness, or savoring a small joy—to anchor yourself in God’s faithfulness?


Day 5: Bringing Anxious Thoughts into the Light and Moving Forward
Anxiety often gains power when we keep it hidden or try to battle it alone. Instead, we are invited to bring our anxious thoughts and feelings into the light by telling Jesus about them, just as a child would run to a parent for help. By expressing our struggles honestly to God and then pivoting our focus to His truth and purposes, we diminish anxiety’s hold and move forward in faith. This practice helps us to walk in the shadow of the Almighty, trusting that God is with us and for us, even when anxiety persists. [01:09:51]

Psalm 34:4-8 (ESV)
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”

Reflection: What anxious thought or feeling can you bring honestly to Jesus today, and what is one step you can take to move forward in faith, trusting His presence with you?

Quotes

Anxiety only has power when it has attention. So it only lives off of your focus on it. A bit of a parasite that way, right? So it doesn't really glob onto things that are inconsequential. Things that you would easily dismiss. It globs onto things that have value to you. Things that you might think about yourself or God or your family. Because then we pay attention. [00:28:04] (54 seconds) Edit Clip

So, the brain is going to process what you're experiencing. And it's gonna, it's gonna sum up any type of past experiences to help you consider what's in front of you quickly. Brain's amazing. So, anything closely associated to pain, you're gonna get an alert. And it doesn't have to be directly related. It could be gender, an age, a smell. Anything related to pain in your past. If you experience something that's closely associated to it, your amygdala is gonna fire off and say, possible alert. Possible alert. [00:40:27] (51 seconds) Edit Clip

So, I think it's really helpful. For example, if you're experiencing a season of anxiety...anxiety, or you've dealt with anxiety a lot through your life, to have rhythms of self -assessment. And one of the things that anxiety does, it erodes your self -efficacy. You doubt yourself a lot. I can't trust my thoughts or feelings. I don't feel in control of myself. But you can begin to take back some of that through rhythms of self -assessment. [00:45:40] (44 seconds) Edit Clip

And I would come back and play that in the midst of not knowing, in the midst of fear and anxiety about it. I would just come back and I would blast it and I would sing it. You know, in the middle of lamentations, it's the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end, right? They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness to us, O Lord, right? I can just imagine, it's just like this declaration in the midst of all the sorrow, the grieving, looking around and saying, this isn't Jerusalem. We're your people and we're lost. In the midst of it, the prophet just like slams it down and sings it, right? As life, that gives us hope, that reminds us, no, God is good. God is present, right? [00:58:06] (53 seconds) Edit Clip

``Gratitude. That is powerful. That is so powerful, especially if you hold it in the dichotomy, right? Okay, Jesus, I don't like this circumstance. In fact, I don't like this person. But thank you for being good and present, right? When you hold that, there is power. That's power of the resurrection. This feels like death, and you're good, and you want to bring life into it, right? It's a life -giving perspective. Even if it looks like there's nothing to be thankful for. [00:59:06] (44 seconds) Edit Clip

Another thing you can do is, as a believer, you have the fruit of the Spirit, right? Because the Spirit lives in you. And he doesn't just measure it out. He's going to say, well, John, you're about 30 % today, so I'm going to give you just a little bit, right? Because I don't know what you'll do with the rest. He doesn't do that. He says, I delight over you with singing, because he sees the finished work. And he says, I've got kingdom purposes in you, in front of you today, right? Here you go. Do something. Be a faithful steward, right? So I got all this thing like love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and gentleness and faithfulness and self -control that I can use at any moment. That's amazing. [01:00:44] (64 seconds) Edit Clip

You can put on a disposition of the fruit of the Spirit, even if you don't feel like it. In fact, a good way to do it is, if you're feeling impatient, put on patience. You say thank you. find it find the fruit that's most needed in the moment all right jesus i'm going to put on patience because that person thriving like that is driving me crazy right that doesn't mean you're fleshing it out this means that you are relying on you're declaring by faith that you are trusting god to come through for you and you're trusting the kingdom narrative to come to be advanced right i'm doing this for him it's a great practice to help you get in the right mindset so the this idea of emmanuel god is good and present it's really good another scripture with that psalm 34 is taste and see that the lord is good. [01:02:58] (67 seconds) Edit Clip

Do not get into a back -and -forth with anxiety. Anxiety says, you're not good enough. And then you say to anxiety, uh -huh, I am. God said I am. And anxiety says, come on. You don't believe that. Doesn't it sound like the Garden of Eden, kind of? And you say, uh -huh. And then anxiety's got you right where it wants you. Don't even. Don't even. Tell Jesus. Tell Jesus about it. And then focus.on the truth of who God is, right? The greater truth. [01:11:06] (41 seconds) Edit Clip

So the idea would be, to be very honest, like a Davidic psalm, right? Tell Jesus all about it and how you're experiencing it, right? Just raw, unedited. Tell them all about it. Come back to, you're bigger than this person, right? And what you say about me is truer than what I hear. Help me hold on to that. [01:18:38] (31 seconds) Edit Clip