Area of life
Mind and emotions
Thoughts, anxiety and mental health, held by God.
God might be speaking to you here if
- the same worries go round and round in your head
- you feel numb, flat or hopeless for weeks
- you are hard on yourself in ways you would never be with a friend
- you hide how you are really doing from everyone
What this is
God cares about your inner world. In the Psalms, anxious, sad and confused people bring it all honestly to God. Struggling in your mind doesn't mean you lack faith.
Your thoughts shape your life. Bring them to Christ and fill your mind with what is true. Peace grows as you pray about worries instead of replaying them.
Anxiety and depression are real and sometimes need medical help, counselling or both. That is not a failure of faith. If you are thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, talk to a real person now. If you are being hurt or controlled, or you are afraid at home, get safe and talk to someone today.
My verses
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Where to next
- Write your worries downTake five minutes, list what is weighing on you, and hand each item to God in prayer.
- Pray a Psalm honestlyRead Psalm 42 aloud, then tell God plainly how you feel.
- Catch one lying thoughtWhen you catch a thought like I am worthless, write next to it what God says about you.
- Tell one personTell a friend, pastor or family member how you're really doing this week.
- See a doctor or counsellorIf low mood or anxiety has lasted more than two weeks, book an appointment. God often helps through trained people.
What grows here
Pray
Lord, You see my thoughts and my fears. I give You what is weighing on me. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace, and lead me to the help I need.