Finding Refuge
There’s so much swirling around in my mind right now that it’s tough to focus on any one thing. Between juggling the needs of my kids, managing work, nurturing my marriage, and trying to carve out a little time for myself to recharge, it feels like I’m being pulled in a million directions. But here I am, writing, hoping that through this process, God will speak to me — and maybe, in some small way, speak to you too.
This past Sunday, our church delved into a topic that I have had my struggle with in the past: mental health, specifically the pressures that manifest as depression, stress, and anxiety. Tyler Migl, our next-gen pastor, framed it in a way that really hit home. He said that depression often stems from the burdens of our past, stress comes from the pressures we face in the present, and anxiety is born from the fears of what might happen in the future.
If I’m being honest, it’s anxiety that grips me the most. The unknowns of tomorrow can feel paralyzing. I find myself consumed by questions: Am I doing enough right now? Have I done enough in the past? Did I miss something crucial? Could I have handled a situation better, and will it come back to haunt me? Have I invested enough time and love in my kids? Was I too harsh in a moment of frustration? These thoughts race through my mind, over and over. And even though I know, deep down, that my Savior is always with me, I still find myself pushing Him aside, trying to take on everything by myself. It’s crazy, right? I know my track record — I know how often I stumble when I try to go it alone. I wasn’t designed to carry these burdens on my own. None of us were. We were created by a God who loves us so deeply, who intricately designed us to lean on Him. And it’s not a sign of weakness to depend on God — or on each other. In fact, we’re encouraged to support one another. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV) reminds us of this truth: “Two are better than one… two will withstand… a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” This passage speaks volumes about the strength we find in togetherness — how we can lift each other up when we fall and face life’s challenges more effectively when we’re united. So, just as we rely on each other, we must also lean on our Savior. Trust me, I’ve been there — struggling to keep my head above water, convinced that if I just did a little more, tried a little harder, I could manage. But that’s a lie. The truth is, I was never meant to do it all by myself. God is calling out to you, to me, to all of us, saying, “LET ME HELP! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!”
Ultimately, it all comes down to control. We crave it, and we’ll do whatever we can to maintain it. But handing over control to God? That’s hard. We don’t know what’s going to happen, and yes, it’s scary. But the Bible is clear—it speaks directly to our anxieties and fears time and time again. Below is a list of scriptures I’ve found that address these very concerns:
Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
”For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
”Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
”Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
John 14:27 (ESV)
”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
”Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
I Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
”Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
”Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
Isaiah 54:17 (ESV)
”No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord .”
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
”The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Matthew 6:25 (ESV)
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
”In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
These scriptures collectively remind us that we shouldn't let anxiety or fear consume us because God is always with us, offering His strength, peace, and protection. We're encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, relying on His wisdom rather than our own understanding. God hasn't given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control. When we cast our burdens and anxieties onto Him, we find the peace and assurance that He will sustain us. The presence of the Lord brings comfort, and His promises ensure that no weapon formed against us will succeed. With this assurance, we can face each day with courage, knowing that God is our refuge and guide and that He rejoices over us with His love. The peace of God surpasses all understanding, meaning we can experience true peace even when we don't fully grasp how or why. Trust in Him to provide for you, keeping you safe and secure.
You might be thinking, "That all sounds wonderful, but how do I actually ask God for His strength and peace? How do I cast my burdens and anxieties onto Him?" The answer is simple — through prayer. Take a moment to pause the busyness of life and direct your focus to your Creator, the One who has always wanted the best for you. Talk to Him. Share what you’re going through. Your prayer doesn’t need to be elaborate or formal — just speak to Him as you would to a father or a close friend. Be honest and open, holding nothing back. God will meet you where you are, and as the scriptures above show, He will be your refuge, wrapping you in His arms, comforting you, and bringing you His peace. Here are a couple of simple prayers to help you start praying about anxiety and fear:
Prayer for Peace
Father, I come to You feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Please fill my heart with Your peace and calm my racing thoughts. Help me to trust in Your presence and remember that You are in control. Guide me through my worries and give me the strength to let go of the things I cannot change. Thank You for being my refuge and for surrounding me with Your love.
Prayer of Surrender
Lord, I come to You with a heart full of fear and anxiety. I know that I can’t carry these burdens on my own, so I surrender them to You. Please fill me with Your presence and drive out the fear that grips me. Remind me that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me. Help me to trust in Your love and rest in the peace that only You can give. I release my worries into Your hands, knowing that You will take care of me.
If you'd like to create your own prayer but aren’t sure where to begin, the ACTS Prayer Model is a great starting point. It’s a simple structure that guides you through four key steps:
Adoration: Praising God for who He is.
Confession: Admitting your struggles and asking for forgiveness.
Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God's blessings.
Supplication: Requesting help and guidance for yourself and others.
This approach provides a balanced way to address all your spiritual needs through prayer. Take your time with each step. The more you engage with this model, the more natural it will become. Starting your prayers with adoration for our Creator not only sets the tone but also reminds you of just how mighty and awesome God truly is.
As I bring these thoughts to a close, I want to encourage you to take a moment to step back and breathe. Life can be overwhelming with the constant demands of kids, work, marriage, and trying to find time for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and let anxiety take control. But remember, you don’t have to carry all of it on your own. God is always there, ready to offer His peace and strength—if you’ll let Him in. Whether it’s through prayer, leaning on those around you, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect, know that you are never alone. God is your refuge, your source of comfort, and He is more than capable of handling whatever challenges you’re facing. So take that next step, trust in Him, and allow His peace to wash over you.