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In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, anxiety has become an all-too-familiar companion for many of us, and Christian women are no exception. We sometimes wonder, “Can anxiety make you feel weak?” While seeking peace and relying on God’s promises is essential, there is a common misconception that we should never experience anxiety as Christian women. However, this belief can lead to unnecessary guilt and frustration. Instead, let us explore a healthier approach that acknowledges our emotions and embraces God’s grace amid anxiety.
It’s OK To Have Emotions!
It is ok to have emotions. The Bible talks about them!
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:4
We can have emotions. Emotions and anxiety do not make you weak! The Bible talks about sadness, fear, and anger. Jesus was angry in the temple and tossed over tables. Jesus also wept. The Bible shows us that emotions are NORMAL, and you can have them.
The Bible also gives us some clues on how to handle our emotions. In Ephesians 4:26 it says to be angry but also not to sin. The Bible is clear that we will have emotions and instructs us not to allow our emotions to lead us to sin.
Looking at anxiety, we are instructed to be anxious for nothing. Don’t lose heart! God knows that you can not do that on your own. Perhaps that is why fear and angst are mentioned so many times in the Bible! The next sentence of that verse instructs us to cast our cares on God. That is great news! When you feel anxiety, you can’t stop it in your own strength but you CAN give it to God!
What Really Happens When You Force Yourself To Stop Anxiety
The truth is you can’t! That’s right. You can’t actually force yourself not to have anxiety.
Try my experiment. Right now, close your eyes and think about anything you want. BUT whatever you do, don’t think about Pink Elephants. You can think about anything just not pink elephants. No elephants prancing around in your head, no pink elephants at all.
How well did that go for you? I am guessing that 99% of you couldn’t help but think about pink elephants, and the more you tried to stop, the more you thought of them. That is the same with anxiety. The more you try to force yourself to stop feeling it, the more you will feel it. Your brain is wired that way.
We also begin to feel great guilt and stress when we try to force ourselves to stop having anxiety. We feel guilt that the Bible commands us not to have it, yet we are not obeying. If you are falling into this trap remember that God knows you can’t do it on your own strengths. He is waiting and willing to help you!
Understanding Anxiety – How can anxiety make you feel weak?
Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations, affecting people from all walks of life. It can manifest as feelings of restlessness, unease, or even panic. Recognizing that anxiety is not a sin or a sign of weak faith is crucial. Anxiety does not make you weak. Jesus Himself acknowledged the struggles we face in this world, saying, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Anxiety, therefore, is a human response that we can learn to manage with God’s help.
Anxiety is also a protection mechanism in your body to help keep you safe. Imagine if you had no fear whatsoever. What would stop you from acting recklessly? You wouldn’t be afraid of getting hurt or hurting others.
Seek God Amid Anxiety
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.1 Peter 5:7
Rather than suppressing or denying our anxiety, we should turn to God for comfort and guidance. The Bible encourages us to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Instead of forcing ourselves not to feel anxious, we can bring our worries to God through prayer and meditation on His word. In these moments, we can experience His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
Go to God when you are feeling anxious. He is there for you always! If you need help finding verses to memorize or read when your anxiety is getting the best of you, head on over to our free resource library to get your printable! Stop wondering if anxiety can make you feel weak and gain God’s supernatural power to overcome it!
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.Philippians 4: 6-7
Embrace Vulnerability
You know that advice that, as soon as you say, comes back to get you? I am fearful that this is the section coming for me! Oh, how I hate being vulnerable. I love living in a castle with giant castle walls and a mote with big alligators.
As Christian women, we may feel pressure to always appear strong and composed. However, it is essential to remember that God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Acknowledging our anxiety and seeking support from fellow believers can foster an environment of compassion and understanding. Sharing our struggles with trusted friends or seeking professional help can be instrumental in our journey toward healing.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2 Corinthians 12:9
We don’t have to hide our weaknesses from the world. Our weaknesses do not make us less Christian. God’s miracles, power, and awe-inspiring awesomeness can be seen a lot more when we allow him to work in our lives and stop pretending that we can do it ourselves. The truth is YOU CAN’T but GOD CAN!
If anxiety controls your life and impacts major life activities, it might be time to seek trusted therapy and counsel. God can use a therapist to help you overcome your anxiety.
Can Anxiety Make You Feel Weak? Not When You Fill Your Mind With God!
Renewing our minds with God’s truth is vital in combating anxiety. The Bible reminds us to focus our thoughts on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). By meditating on God’s promises and memorizing Scripture, we can train our minds to combat anxious thoughts and replace them with faith-filled affirmations.
What things cause your anxiety? Are you focusing your attention on that? Our mind is a sponge and will soak up whatever you put in front of it. If you are anxious about not being good enough or comparing yourself to others, stop scrolling on social media! Do world events cause your anxiety? Stop watching the news every day before you go to bed.
Start filling your mind with things of God. Read your Bible, listen to Christian music, pray, and surround yourself with Godly women. Check out some great Christian biographies or listen to sermons or podcasts before you go to sleep instead of scrolling on social media and watching the news. It only takes a few changes to make a huge difference!
As Christian women, you no longer have to wonder if anxiety can make you feel weak! We must recognize that experiencing anxiety does not make us any less faithful or weak. Through our vulnerabilities, we can experience the transforming power of God’s grace and find solace in His presence. Rather than forcing ourselves not to feel anxiety, let us embrace a balanced approach that acknowledges our emotions, seeks God’s comfort, and utilizes healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, we are not alone in this journey. God is with us every step of the way, offering His unfailing love and strength to carry us through. Your anxiety does not make you weak. With God, you can overcome anything!
Check out our Guide on How to Break the Cycle of Morning Anxiety to learn more! You can also join our Abiding Rest Course for hands-on help to reduce your stress and anxiety!
