Compassion Over Criticism: Viewing Your Anxiety Through a New LensSample

Yesterday, we worked on reframing anxiety from a flaw to a message. We asked, What if my anxiety is actually trying to protect me?

Today, as we wrap up this plan together, we’re taking it a step further. What if that same anxiety was something you could actually begin to trust? What if you could remind yourself that you’re safe now, every time you experience anxiety?

In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, anxiety is called a “protector.” It’s a response that shows up when something in your inner world might believe you’re in danger. And like we’ve covered, maybe, at some point, you were. Maybe you experienced something traumatic. That’s why this part of you developed–it helped you survive. It got you through it.

But now, as you walk with Jesus and continue to learn about all the parts of you, you know you’re not alone. God made you in His image and invites you to let the “protector” part rest. The Holy Spirit, which resides in you, can bring comfort and connection and you don’t have to carry anxiety alone.

This is where healing begins.

Love can restore what fear once fractured. Love can overcome all.

So, instead of getting rid of anxiety altogether, we can gently, lovingly help it transform. That protective part can begin to relax, right-sizing to the safety of the present moment. It may still alert you to real danger today, but it no longer needs to control your life from the fearful perspective of past pain. Chrissie explains that in IFS, this healing happens when the wounded part underneath—the one that first absorbed the fear—finally gets to lay it down in the presence of something greater. And as followers of Jesus, we believe that “something greater” is the Spirit of God within you.

That’s the Gospel in action. It’s not that we rid ourselves of the mess, but that Jesus enters it with us. He makes space for restoration.

David showed up with this kind of honesty to God. In the Psalms, we hear him speak from panic and despair. “My heart is in anguish… fear and trembling have beset me” (Psalm 55:4-5). Something we can learn from David’s posture, though, is that he continues to orient himself back toward God. “Why, my soul, are you downcast?... Put your hope in God” (Psalm 42:5). David’s not silencing or ignoring or avoiding the anxiety, he’s bringing them into relationship with our heavenly Father. What a beautiful thing. This is at the heart of healing.

With that in mind and with everything you’ve learned about anxiety, let’s watch the film again. This time, notice how your body responds. Where, physically, in your body do you feel anxiety speaking up? How can you be curious as you notice it? Invite God in and investigate together.

In closing, active anxiety cycles don’t have to be your reality forever. Stay curious and stay kind to yourself. Keep inviting Jesus into every anxious moment. Remember: you’re not your anxiety–or any emotion–you’re a child of God, and you were made in His perfect image.

Reflection: Pause for a moment and ask: What would it look like for the anxious part of me to feel safe now? Invite Jesus in and pray the prayer below.

Prayer: God, thank you that I’m safe. I know you’re here. Thank you that I don’t have to carry this alone. I surrender my anxiety to you, and I know you put it there for a reason. Help me accept it and allow it to lead me to the parts of me that need your healing presence most. It’s in your name I pray, amen.

By the way, want more from Wonderhunt? Visit wonderhunt.co for more films, or wonderhunt.co/rodeo for our entire mental health collection.

The content represented here is designed to spark reflection, conversation, and spiritual insight. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care.

If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional. Faith and mental health can work hand-in-hand, and healing is possible.

In Crisis?

• Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 24/7, free, and confidential.
• Or visit 988lifeline.org for live chat support and resources.

Looking for a Faith-Aware Therapist?

To find a Christian therapist trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a gentle, effective approach to healing anxiety, shame, and addiction, visit:

• jennariemersma.com/find-christian-ifs-therapist
• https://www.juliehoneycutt.com/storage/app/media/national-christian-ifs-directory.pdf

More Therapist Directories:

• PsychologyToday.com: Search for licensed professionals in your area. Filter for Christian therapists.
• OpenPathCollective.org: Affordable options for quality care. Filter for Christian therapists.
• ChristianCounseling.com: A network of faith-based providers.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for the support you need. You are not alone.