part 1 of 7 part series on Anxiety
By Susan Adeyemi, Christian Counsellor, Life Coach & Author
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
— Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Anxiety is one of the most common struggles in our world today—and yes, that includes the Church. We worry about the future, about our relationships, about whether we’re enough or if things will fall apart. But anxiety isn’t just a mental health term or a passing feeling—it often has deeper spiritual and emotional roots that need tending.
In this first part of our series “Anxious for Nothing: Finding Peace in God’s Design for Relationships,” let’s dig into the root cause of anxiety, and what God says about it.
💭 What Is Anxiety, Really?
At its core, anxiety is fear of the unknown or the uncontrollable. It’s the emotional reaction to a perceived threat—whether that threat is physical, relational, financial, or even spiritual. But while the feeling is real, anxiety often comes from assumptions, imaginations, or beliefs that are not grounded in truth.
Scripture reminds us that anxiety is not just a feeling—it’s a spiritual signal. It’s a flashing light that something deeper is going on in our hearts.
🔍 Getting to the Root: What’s Behind Your Worry?
Before we can manage or overcome anxiety, we must ask ourselves honest questions:
- What am I truly afraid of?
- Is this fear rooted in truth—or in assumption?
- Do I trust God to handle this, or am I trying to take control?
Here are three common root causes of anxiety and how they show up in our lives:
1. Fear of Losing Control
Many of us feel anxious when life feels uncertain or unpredictable. But control is often an illusion—and our anxiety grows when we realize we can’t manage outcomes or people. Instead of surrendering to God, we grasp tighter. We overthink. We spiral.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
God calls us to trust, not to control. Surrendering control doesn’t mean giving up—it means giving it over to the One who is all-knowing and all-loving.
2. Fear of Rejection or Failure
Another root is the fear of not being enough—for others, for God, or for our own standards. We fear being seen as weak, flawed, or unworthy.
But anxiety rooted in fear of man leads to perfectionism and people-pleasing.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” — Proverbs 29:25
When we ground our identity in God’s love and acceptance, we find security—even when others reject us.
3. Unbelief in God’s Character or Promises
This is a tough truth: some anxiety comes from not fully believing God will come through. We say we trust Him, but deep down we fear He might not show up—or that His way won’t be good enough.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
God invites us to bring our fears to Him—not because He’s distant, but because He deeply cares. Faith grows when we stop rehearsing our fears and start rehearsing His faithfulness.
️How God Asks Us to Deal With Anxiety
Scripture doesn’t just tell us not to be anxious—it gives us a better way.
– Pray Instead of Worry
“By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
Prayer is our lifeline. It shifts our eyes from the problem to the Provider.
– Replace Lies with Truth
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
Combat anxious thoughts with God’s truth. When fear says, “You’re not safe,” God’s Word says, “I am your refuge.”
– Rest in God’s Love
“Perfect love casts out fear.” — 1 John 4:18
When we live loved, we don’t live in fear. Let God’s love anchor your heart.
Let’s Reflect Together
What are you really afraid of?
Anxiety doesn’t make you weak—it reveals where your soul needs reassurance, truth, and connection with God.
Take time today to journal or pray through these questions:
- What anxious thoughts have been filling my mind lately?
- What does that reveal about my trust in God?
- What is one truth from God’s Word I can hold onto today?
Join the Conversation
- Have you struggled with anxiety in a way that surprised you?
- Have you discovered a root cause that helped you find healing?
Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Your experience could encourage someone else on their journey.
💬 Comment.
🔁 Share this post with a friend who might need it.
📖 Let’s keep growing together in truth and grace.
Remember this:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3
Let’s choose trust over fear—and let God meet us right where we are.
