READ: JOSHUA 1:9; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-8; HEBREWS 4:14-16

Anxiety can haunt you in many forms. When I was 10, I was officially diagnosed with anxiety. It was minor compared to other cases. I sometimes got stressed over social interactions, feeling like I might’ve said something mean, and stressing that everyone hated me for something that wasn’t even that bad in the eyes of someone else. It made me feel like God couldn’t love me because I only made a negative impact. I’d also get really stressed over little tasks like my homework.

Currently, I’m still battling anxiety, but it’s nowhere near as bad. There are many strategies that help me get through it, and I’d love to share some of them. My prayer is that it will help you, whether or not anxiety is something you struggle with long-term.

My first strategy is to memorize. Memorize Scripture. Hold it in your heart so when times of trouble come, you can use Scripture to help you rest in Jesus and stand firm against the devil’s schemes (Psalm 9:9; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:11). For example, Joshua 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:7 encourage us that God is with us and He wants to help us with all our struggles. Additionally, Philippians 4:6-8 is a great reminder that when we are struggling with anxiety, we should pray, which brings me to my second point.

Pray. God already knows what is on your heart, but He wants you to cry out to Him and honestly tell Him what you’re thinking and feeling (Psalms 62:8; 139:1-4). He loves and cares for you. He died and rose again just for you. He always wants you to come to Him for peace.

My final tip is to share. You’re not in this alone. It’s so helpful to have someone who can listen to you with compassion and tell you which thoughts are simply not true. The enemy wants you to feel isolated and like you’re in this alone, but you’re not. You’re loved and valued, and people want to share your burdens with you (Galatians 6:2). Remember, anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of.

Anxiety can be a major struggle, but if you draw near to Jesus, you’ll see Him work in you and through you to do things more amazing than you can even imagine (John 15:5; Ephesians 3:20). • Riley Ament

• What kinds of things make you anxious? Are there any strategies that have helped you in times of anxiety?

• We all feel anxious from time to time. Thankfully, Jesus knows how we feel because He experienced anxiety too, and He wants to help us (Mark 14:33-34; Hebrews 4:14-16). In fact, He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us, and He promises that one day anxiety will be gone for good (Revelation 21:1-5). How might knowing that Jesus can truly empathize with our struggles make it easier for us to be honest with Him? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about anything you’ve been struggling with lately.

• Do you know anyone battling with anxiety long-term? What are some ways you could extend love and compassion to them? Consider taking a moment to pray for them now.

• God wants to help us in lots of ways, not only through prayer and Scripture, but also through community with other people, such as friends, parents, pastors, and sometimes medical and mental health professionals. When you find yourself feeling anxious, who is a trusted person you could talk to about what you’re experiencing?

• If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)