Some days, it feels like I’ve just driven the 24 Hours of Le Mans… in my own head.

My heart’s racing.

My limbs feel like they’re weighed down by bricks.

My hands start to tingle, and my thoughts? They start branching off into every what-if scenario imaginable. It’s not a game. It’s anxiety—and it’s real.

If you’ve ever felt like your body was revving at full throttle while your spirit was trying to press the brakes, you’re not alone.

The Truth About Anxiety

The World Health Organization estimates that over 301 million people worldwide suffer from an anxiety disorder, and the National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 1 in 3 U.S. adults will experience it at some point in their lives. These aren’t small numbers—this is an epidemic.

And while anxiety may look different for everyone, here’s what it feels like for me:

It’s a full-body, full-mind takeover. Sometimes I wake up already feeling the weight. Other times, it sneaks in during a creative block, after bad news, or in those still, quiet moments when my guard is down.

Faith in the Fog

Being a believer doesn’t mean being immune to anxiety. Trust me—I’ve wrestled with that thought plenty of times.

"If I really trusted God, wouldn’t I feel calmer?"

"Why does my body feel like it’s at war if I’m supposed to have peace?"

But faith isn’t about never feeling fear—it’s about knowing Who to run to in the middle of it. One of the most powerful verses for me is Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Sometimes, when the world is too loud, I hit play on my worship + Christian lofi playlist, open up my Bible app, and start reading a plan about fear or peace. Other times, I just sit in stillness and let God remind me that I’m not alone.

I’ve even seen how this journey has helped my wife find her own path through anxiety. That’s the kind of ripple only God can create from pain.

The Toolbox: How I Push Back

Anxiety might show up uninvited—but I’m not defenseless. Over the years, I’ve learned to build a “toolbox” filled with spiritual and practical tools. And when the fog rolls in, here’s what I reach for:

🧘🏾‍♂️ Unplugging to Breathe

Sunday is my reset button. I try my best to unplug from tech, mute the notifications, and let the day breathe. But when things get especially overwhelming during the week, I shut things down and just go for a walk—or crack open a book that has nothing to do with screens.

There’s science behind this: Studies show that constant digital connectivity increases stress levels and negatively impacts sleep, focus, and mental health (American Psychological Association, 2023).

Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is disconnect so you can reconnect.

🧠 Meditation and Devotion

I start my mornings with devotionals—books that help me align my heart before the chaos begins. I don’t use apps. I just sit down, read, breathe, and pray.

Harvard studies have shown that mindfulness meditation not only reduces anxiety but can actually change your brain, shrinking the fear center (amygdala) and boosting areas responsible for self-regulation and calm.

For me, meditation and devotion aren’t two separate things. They’re both a form of stillness with God.

💪🏾 Lifting the Weight (Literally)

There’s something therapeutic about picking up a barbell and feeling it fight back.

Lifting weights—especially focusing on my arms and shoulders—has become more than just physical fitness. It’s a mental reset. Research from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America confirms that regular exercise can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood almost immediately.

When I lift, I’m not just building strength—I’m letting go of tension, fog, and the lies anxiety tells me.

God in the Midst

I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t always remove the anxiety in the moment. But He always shows up in the midst of it.

Whether through a worship song, a verse that hits differently, a workout that clears my head, or a walk that quiets my mind—His peace finds me. Sometimes slowly. But always faithfully.

If You’re Struggling Too...

Let me say this with love: You are not weak for feeling overwhelmed. You are not “less Christian” for needing help. You’re not broken beyond repair.

If anxiety is something you battle, know this:

• There is power in prayer and therapy.
• There is healing in movement and stillness.
• There is peace available, even when your thoughts won’t slow down.

And if you ever feel like giving up—don’t. Breathe. Pray. Lift. Walk. Unplug. Reach out.

Your story matters. Your healing matters. And God isn’t done writing your peace.

📖 Quick Resources

• Scripture to Remember: Philippians 4:6–7, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 94:19
• Christian Therapy Finder: Faithful Counseling
• Bible Reading Plans: Search “anxiety” or “peace” on the YouVersion Bible App
• Devotional Books I Use: Daily Strengths for Men, STAND STRONG