Unshaken: 7 Days to Find Peace in the Middle of AnxietySýnishorn

Naming the Root

What’s underneath our anxiety? Often, it’s not just stress but it’s feeling out of control, fearing the unknown, or carrying the weight of what-ifs.

It’s human to experience anxiety. God never intended for us to live ruled by it. Anxiety divides our mind, but His peace aligns it. In my life, I’ve experienced heightened anxiety and angst when I try to serve two masters. I end up leaving one for the other. Whether it’s something tangible like drinking or something intrinsic like people pleasing and seeking approval. Anything that divides our focus and takes our eyes off our audience of One will weaken our inner alignment.

In Philippians, Paul reminds us to bring everything to God. (yes, even our messy thoughts) Not polished. Not perfect. Just real. And in return, He gives us supernatural calm. A peace that guards. Oftentimes, God doesn’t change the circumstances but He sure changes our hearts. He cares about the roots that run deep in our lives that keep us grounded in Him. These roots produce the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. One of those fruits is peace. As a fruit of the Holy Spirit, it is an inner calm that manifests a tranquil mind and trust in God that remains despite external circumstances. This peace is not the absence of conflict, but rather a state of wholeness providing a protective presence that guards one's heart and mind. As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, we deepen our trust in His faithfulness because we have seen Him provide this time and time again. This is especially true when this peace doesn’t make sense to our logical minds or match the situation! When you experience this comforting peace, you will feel it in your whole body. Make it a practice to put your hand on your heart, take a deep breath, and receive it fully with gratitude.

Prayer:
Lord, help me name what’s under my anxiety. Protect my mind from anxiety and worry and give me steady footing in the face of life’s challenges and spiritual attacks. I give You my fear, and I receive Your peace.

Journal Prompt:
What’s at the root of your current anxiety?

Is it lack of control, fear, uncertainty, or something else?

Naming it is a great start. Be honest and journal through it.