This time of year can be tough. There’s all that uncertainty, the unknown of a new year, and the weight of a new adventure looming ahead. Maybe you’re stepping into parenthood for the first time, embarking on a new marriage, moving to a new place, or starting a fresh job. Or maybe you’re still unsure of what’s next, but you can feel that something is coming. Perhaps you’re just hoping for a break from the challenges of the past few years.
Honestly, I’m right there with you. I don’t know exactly what 2025 holds for me either. I have my prayers, of course. I pray for deeper relationships, financial stability, and healing. But I’ve felt God stirring my heart for more—more than I expected. And, as much as I long for it, it comes with a side of anxiety.
We all know what the Bible says about anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). We also know that anxiety isn’t from the Lord. But let’s be real: how often do we find ourselves caught in it? How often do we become consumed by worry about the next step, instead of fully living in the moment we're in?
For me, anxiety attacks can be intense. When they hit, I can’t even open my eyes without feeling sick. I want to run but feel trapped, my body gets physically ill, and it feels like the world is caving in on me. Sometimes I can’t even speak, and other times, I can’t breathe. It’s overwhelming.
In those moments, I know I should pray. But, honestly, I often forget. I get so caught up in the storm of my thoughts that it’s hard to even remember to utter the word “Jesus” through the chaos. But in the midst of it all, I always end up asking myself, Why did I let it get this far? These attacks used to come frequently. A trip? There’s an attack. A new experience? Here comes another. A rough day at work? Anxiety's there, too. A fight with a friend? Yup. And it just snowballs from there.
But listen, having anxiety does NOT make me an anxious person. It doesn’t define me. The Lord has already declared that my identity is not rooted in anxiety. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36). Anxiety is not who I am, and it doesn’t have to control me. So, how do I combat anxiety with faith? Here are three practical steps I take when I’m trying to calm myself down in the middle of a storm:
1. Cold Water.I know it sounds basic, but cold water works wonders for me. It brings me back to the present moment and helps me focus. There’s something about the physical sensation that calms my racing mind.
2. Prayer.Yes, prayer. But sometimes, it’s not a beautiful, eloquent prayer. Sometimes, it’s just me whispering the name of Jesus. And that’s enough. “Lord, help me” can be the most powerful prayer when you’re overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s all I can manage, and that’s okay. God hears our hearts even when words fail.
3. Find a Safe Place and Music.For me, music is a game-changer. There’s something about worship music that helps me reconnect with God’s peace. I find a quiet space—sometimes it's my car, sometimes it's my bedroom—and put on a song that reminds me of who I am in Christ. In those moments, I remember that I’m not alone. God is with me, and He’s bigger than my anxiety.
Remember This: Anxiety Is Not Your Identity.As we step into 2025, let’s set aside the lie that we are defined by our fears and worries. You are not your anxiety. You are a child of God, loved, chosen, and empowered by His Spirit. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7).
So, whatever this year brings, know that you are more than capable of facing it with faith. God is with you. You are not alone, and you are not defined by the things that try to overwhelm you. Take a deep breath, step forward with courage, and trust that God is guiding you every step of the way.
Let’s enter 2025 knowing that no matter what comes our way, we can face it with His strength. You’ve got this—because with God, you can take on anything!
