Experiencing Anxiety as a Person of Faith
Kaitlyn Bowie Hankins, MDiv, is a United Methodist Pastor currently serving a church in Houston, Texas. Along with an incredible team, Kaitlyn launched a contemporary community of faith within First Methodist’s historic congregation. Drawing upon her previous experience teaching in the public school system, she has spent the past few years developing this community among young adults on the edge of faith, teaching in traditional capacities within the church, and also fostering safe spaces of community where people can learn to follow God more faithfully together. Kaitlyn received her Masters of Divinity from Duke University, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northwestern College, Iowa.
In This Guide:
*Note: This is in reference to the daily anxiety of life, and should not be considered advice for those struggling with an anxiety disorder. Please support your friend or family member in finding a mental health professional if this is the kind of anxiety he/she is dealing with.
According to Steven Pinker, a psychology professor at Harvard University, we are alive at the safest time in human history; violence of all kinds is on a decline. However, as people we are reporting higher rates of anxiety, stress, and daily fear. Pinker attributes this to the rise in our exposure to atrocities through media and our technological connectedness. Even though we aren’t close to all of the danger, we are still exposed to it digitally and, therefore, process it intellectually and emotionally.
Regardless of the reasons, we need to be honest about how prevalent and insidious our daily wrestle with anxiety is. In this Encouragement Guide, learn how someone who has Christian faith may be wrestling with anxiety and how to encourage him or her to find strength within their faith tradition.
They Might Be Thinking:
- I’m so stressed, I don’t even want to go to work today.
- Nobody understands how I feel or what I’m going through.
- I just want to take a break and not think about my job (or whatever situation is causing stress) right now.
- I need a vacation.
- Will life always be this stressful?
- Does God even care that I’m this stressed out?
- I know Jesus told me not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34), but the people he was talking to weren’t alive during this century.
- (Named person) is really irritating me today.
A Person Who is Anxious Might Be:
- Short-tempered and reactive
- Really busy and not caring for self
- Prone to complaining and careless with words
- Explosive about emotions or frustrations
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- I am here for you if you ever want to talk about what you’re experiencing.
- I am willing to help you carry your burden, if you want.
- Is there anything I can do to support you?
- I appreciate you (insert an authentic way you appreciate the person).
- Only if they ask you, offer feedback on the situation that is both honest and positive.
- What you are experiencing sounds really difficult.
Actions That Might Be Encouraging:
- If you are also a person of faith, you could ask if they would like prayer and, if so, what they would like you to pray for.
- Avoid reacting with equal levels of anxiety or frustration when listening to them process. A calm, gentle presence is healthiest.
- Invite the person to meet for a meal or coffee, and come prepared to listen and support.
- If you suspect this person enjoys quality time, plan a fun activity and invite them to join you.
- Give a gift of a journal or book you think they’d enjoy. The book doesn’t need to be about their particular struggle. This type of gift will support them taking some time to rest.
Bible Verses That Might Be Encouraging:
Note: These verses are offered as suggestions to help you personally pray for the person, and in some situations may be encouraging to share with the person in gentleness. These are not meant to be shared as judgments or commands.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 (the words of Jesus)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Matthew 11:28-30 (the words of Jesus)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- When I experienced that same situation I just dealt with it. You should too.
- I don’t understand why you’re feeling so anxious; it’s not that big of a deal.
- I thought you were stronger than that.
- I thought you believed in the Bible. Doesn’t Jesus tell you not to worry?
- Just pray about it.
- You’re making too big of a deal about this.
- You really don’t have that much to be stressed about.
- People are dealing with harder situations than you.
Recommended Resources:
- Streams in the Desert: Daily Devotionals organized by L. B. Cowman
- The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom by Henri J. M. Nouwen
- The Sabbath by Abraham Heschel
- Take up a practice of meditation[1]
- Yoga is a proven stress-reliever[2]
- Pay attention to smartphone use and its impact on anxiety levels.[3] Healthy boundaries may be a preventative measure for reducing anxiety introduced through our constant connection to the outside world.
[1]“A Beginner's Guide to Meditation.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Oct. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858.
[2] Harvard Health Publishing. “Yoga for Anxiety and Depression - Harvard Health.” Harvard Health Blog, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/yoga-for-anxiety-and-depression.
[3] “Out of Sight Is Not out of Mind: The Impact of Restricting Wireless Mobile Device Use on Anxiety Levels among Low, Moderate and High Users.” Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, Elsevier, 6 June 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563214002805.
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