Last week, we learned about the power of forgiveness and how it sets us free from bitterness and pain. This week, we’re diving into how to overcome anxiety and strengthen your heart with God’s peace.
Anxiety can feel like an ever-present storm, especially for Christian women navigating life with ADHD. When your mind is constantly racing, anxiety has a way of stealing your peace and joy. But God offers us a beautiful promise in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Recognize the Source of Your Anxiety
Before you can cultivate an atmosphere of peace, it’s important to identify what triggers your anxiety. Is it a looming to-do list? Fear of failure? The overwhelming feeling of juggling everything at once? When you have ADHD, anxiety often shows up uninvited, sometimes with no clear reason, but it’s critical to acknowledge its presence.
Psalm 55:22 (NLT) encourages us, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” By first recognizing the source of your anxiety, you can give it to God and lean on His promises of care and protection.
Practice Taking All Your Cares to God
You don’t have to carry anxiety alone. One of the most empowering ways to fight it is by practicing the habit of giving your concerns to God. This isn’t a one-time act; it’s something we can do daily, even moment by moment. In 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT), we are reminded, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
God deeply cares about your struggles, even when they seem small. Bringing your worries to Him creates space for His peace to enter your heart.
Techniques to Strengthen Your Heart with God’s Peace
Now that you’ve recognized your anxiety and committed to bringing your worries to God, how do you stay grounded in His peace? Let’s explore some techniques.
- Breathing Exercises Grounded in God’s Love
When you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, taking slow, deep breaths can help you center yourself. A simple breathing exercise you can try is inhaling slowly while reciting, “Be still and know,” then exhaling with, “that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Repeat this process until you feel calmer. As you focus on your breath, visualize God’s peace surrounding and filling you.
- Scripture Memorization
One of the most powerful tools you have is God’s Word. Memorizing scripture allows you to call upon His promises when anxiety strikes. Start with Philippians 4:6-7. Let these words become a constant reminder that God’s peace is available to you. You can also keep a list of calming scriptures and refer to them when you feel anxiety rising.
- Grounding in God’s Love
Grounding techniques help you stay connected to the present, and as a believer, you can use this time to remind yourself of God’s love. One way to do this is to take a moment to notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. As you go through this process, whisper a prayer of gratitude for each of the senses God has given you.
Cultivate a Heart and Atmosphere of Peace
Creating a peaceful atmosphere, both internally and externally, is essential for overcoming anxiety. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Create a Calm Space: Declutter areas in your home and work that may contribute to anxiety. Keep items that bring you peace, like your Bible, candles, or soothing music, close at hand.
- Establish a Peaceful Morning Routine: Start your day with prayer, scripture, and gratitude to set a peaceful tone. Meditate on God’s promises and His peace.
- Daily Affirmations: Speak life over yourself with affirmations rooted in scripture, such as, “God’s peace guards my heart” or “I am grounded in His love.” These can reshape how you face anxiety throughout the day.
Overcoming anxiety is a journey, but you’re not alone. The peace that surpasses all understanding is available to you as you continually bring your worries to God. As you practice these techniques, let Philippians 4:6-7 be your anchor, knowing that His peace will guard your heart and mind in every anxious moment.
With each step, you’re finding beauty in the ashes and growing stronger through His peace.
Activate and Build: This week, spend time identifying the sources of your anxiety. Then, practice giving them to God in prayer. Try one of the techniques above, and write down how it affects your peace. Let’s walk together in His peace, one breath at a time.
Let’s Chat!
- What are some scriptures that help you find peace when anxiety feels overwhelming?
- How do you personally practice giving your worries and cares to God?
- Which technique from today’s post do you think will help you the most when battling anxiety?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s build a strong and safe community of support.
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