Anxiety, Fear, and Giving It to God

There are nights when my mind won’t quiet down. The weight of deadlines, responsibilities, and uncertainty presses down like a heavy fog. Anxiety creeps in, whispering worst-case scenarios, making my heart race and my stomach twist. Fear follows close behind, magnifying my doubts, making me question if I’m strong enough, smart enough, or capable enough.

I know I’m not alone in this. Anxiety and fear are constant companions in life’s journey, ready to grip us when we feel most vulnerable. We try to control everything—every outcome, every possibility—thinking if we hold on tightly enough, we can prevent disaster. But in reality, our grip isn’t strong enough.

That’s where faith comes in.

God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone. In 1 Peter 5:7, we’re reminded: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” He doesn’t say, “Hold onto it a little longer,” or “Figure it out yourself first.” No, He tells us to give it to Him. To surrender.

But let’s be honest—surrender is hard. Giving up control feels impossible when we’re wired to fix, to manage, to make sense of everything. Yet, the more we try to hold on, the heavier the burden becomes. Fear and anxiety grow louder, drowning out the voice of peace that God is whispering to us.

So how do we let go?

For me, it’s a daily choice. It’s praying, not just in desperation, but in trust. It’s reminding myself that God is bigger than my fears. That He already knows the outcome. That no matter how uncertain or scary life feels, He is constant, unshaken, and already making a way.

Sometimes, giving it to God means sitting in the quiet, breathing deeply, and saying, “Lord, I trust You. Even when I don’t understand, I trust You.” Other times, it means opening Scripture, finding His promises, and choosing to believe them over the lies my anxiety tells me.

Fear may try to steal our peace, but God is our refuge (Psalm 46:1). Anxiety may whisper doubts, but God is our strength (Isaiah 41:10). The unknown may feel overwhelming, but God goes before us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

If you’re carrying anxiety and fear today, I encourage you—don’t hold onto it alone. Give it to God. Lay it at His feet, again and again if you have to. Trust that He is working in ways you can’t see. And remember: You were never meant to carry this alone.

—Dr. Nick