Biblical Self-Care for Anxiety

The Bible is one of God’s ways of communicating with His children about how He wants them to live. Throughout Scripture, we run across people full of fear and anxiety. If we dig deeper into the Bible, we learn that the answer to self-care for anxiety is already there.

What the Bible Says About Self-Care for Anxiety

You may already turn to the Bible to help you navigate, or it may be the last thing on your mind. We encourage clients to lean into their faith during periods of challenge or obstacles, and throughout the treatment process and healing.

The Bible offers answers for many of life’s problems, but without a deep dive or daily reading to understand context, we might miss the meaning. You can trust the Lord to deliver self-care for anxiety in such a way that is not selfish, but serves others while also protecting your mind and body.

Take the Time to Shut the Door and Pray

Throughout the Bible, we notice that God’s power appeared behind closed doors. For example, in 2 Kings, Elisha shut the door to pray, or he instructed someone else to go into their home and shut the door before a miracle occurred. In John 20, the disciples encountered the resurrected Jesus after they were holed up in a room with a locked door.

Jesus got away to be alone and pray throughout His three-year ministry. Anxiety creeps up when we feel pulled from all sides with constant “noise.” The outside world can be loud, but when you shut the door and pray, you leave room to listen and experience a peace the world cannot offer.

Align Your Goals with Your Beliefs and Values

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV) Self-care for anxiety starts with aligning your goals with your beliefs and values. When you are working toward something that conflicts with your values, you will experience worry, fear, and anxiety.

Make a list of your beliefs and values. Examples may include your family, Christian faith, health, stewardship, honesty, and loyalty. Next, write a list of your goals. Do they align? Determine what you can readjust, delegate, or delete to come into alignment. Then, pray to God about every decision and ask for His wisdom and guidance. Remember Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)

Renew Your Mind

Our minds process thousands of thoughts in a single day. Negative thoughts are bound to slip in, but it is when these thoughts become your primary thoughts and form false beliefs that can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.

Renewing your mind is a daily practice. As a Christian, the old creature (your sinful life) is gone, and the new is here (following Christ and living as close to Him as you can). Paul states in 2 Corinthians, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) Learn how to identify and reframe negative thoughts to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. (see Philippians 4:13)

Care for the Temple of the Holy Spirit (Your Physical Body and Health)

Our bodies are temporary vessels meant to house our spirits. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, our bodies also commune with the Holy Spirit. We no longer belong to ourselves. We need to care for our physical health and bodies not in a hedonistic way, but reverently, as tools to serve God.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19 and 20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Keep your body healthy by consuming nutritious foods and beverages most of the time, prioritizing sleep and movement, and attending all annual medical exams and screenings.

Find Your People, Your Community

Community can support you when life seems chaotic. Find your people by getting involved in small groups that share your interests. This can be within your church or local community. Volunteer to serve others. Serving others can minimize feelings of anxiety as your focus becomes outside of yourself and more on what God wants you to do to help.

Lean on trusted Christian friends and be that friend to those who need it. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Are You Looking for Help for Anxiety?

If you need help for anxiety or you are interested in learning more about biblical self-care for anxiety, contact our Christian counseling center today. A representative will match you with a counselor for an introductory session. We offer virtual sessions as well as in-person meetings to streamline the process. Get started today.