This is a question that I hear often. And it is absolutely true that the gospel brings HOPE into the struggle with anxiety! 

The gospel is the good news that although we are all sinners, unable to make ourselves right with our God and Creator, God came to earth as a man (Jesus) in order to die for our sins. He paid our punishment. And then, after 3 days in the grave, he was resurrected and lives today at God the Father’s right hand, advocating for us, having given his Holy Spirit to live within each believer today. Through him, we can also have eternal life.

How does this speak to anxiety?

In the struggle with anxiety, we see sin. There is often a lack of trust in God, ingratitude, and sometimes pride and selfishness. We often are preoccupied with the future, forgetting about God’s gifts and calling today. Anxiety may lead to unfruitfulness and prevent us from Christ-likeness.

But the gospel hope for anxiety is huge! God’s character speaks directly against anxiety. He is good. He is sovereign and in control. He sustains life, and his plans always work out. We worry about the future, but God has it all under control. 

We also see in the gospel the possibility of living in the midst of a busy schedule, a critically important ministry, and still staying connected with God’s will and God’s timing. We see this in Jesus and how he lived. 

The gospel also speaks hope into anxiety because believers now have the Holy Spirit living in us – a Spirit of peace, joy, gentleness, patience, love, and self-control (Galatians 5:6, 2 Timothy 1:7). This world is fading away; we need not worry about it. And we can never perform well enough to earn our salvation – it is found in grace alone, simply through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety? Remind yourself of the gospel. Memorize Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:4-8. Let God be God – good and in control – and focus instead on enjoying him and the life He has given you.