Unpacking Anxiety

I have anxiety packing for trips. I make lists in my head to trick me into believing I’m being productive. But in reality, I don’t start packing until the night before and then scramble to get everything I could ever want or need. I overstuff my luggage so I have to sit on it and try to zip it up.

Stuffing Anxiety is Exhausting

But I do the same thing with feelings and hard stuff, too – packing them tightly into my heart lest a true thought or feeling escapes past my zipped-up, calm composure. But it leaves me exhausted. Self-reliant.

One day, when my youngest was still a baby, anxiety got the best of me. My hands were jittery and thoughts were swirling around my mind like a horrible carnival ride with sticky seats and questionable safety straps. I had to do something to get off the ride.

By God’s grace, Giovanna went down for a nap, resting contentedly (which rarely happened). I walked into the living room and flopped into the recliner. I didn’t want to write, check email, or even surf social media. I stared out the window. My pulse raced. God nudged me, Do you want to let go of all you’re carrying?

Yes, let’s.

In my mind’s eye, Jesus held his hands out wide to receive all the worries and fears I’d been carrying. I didn’t self-edit or polish it, but just told him the thought after thought. What else? He’d encourage me to go deeper. Let go of it, Sarah. And I did.

After lots of unpacking, the nightmarish fairgrounds transformed into a secluded Baltic beach, with peace like gentle waves, lulling me into an unplanned catnap.

The Invitation to Unpack

Jesus is inviting you to unpack today. Maybe you don’t have too much weighing you down. Or, possibly, it’s more crushing. But you sense something is off in your heart. There’s a catch in your breath. A pressure on your chest. I get it, friend.

So, wherever your heart is today, Jesus wants you to live freely and lightly. And the peace comes from surrendering what is weighing on us. Burdens steal our joy and distract us. Hardship may make us believe lies from the enemy, like “No one understands me,” “I’m all alone,” or “This will never change.” When we release these hard things to Jesus, we find fresh peace, courage, and trust in his leading. He sees us. He understands us. And he is with you. He cares for you. Yes, Sarah, you. Nothing is too big or hard for him to handle. And he will guide you forward. Always.

My Prayer for You

I pray that Jesus meets you where you’re at today. May he give you fresh hope and lots of peace; peace that is unexplainable except for his presence in your heart. 

10 Verses for An Anxious Heart

When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. — Psalm 118:5

Cast all your anxieties upon him, for he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you. — Isaiah 41:13

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. — Isaiah 43:2

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. — Psalm 143:8

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. — Psalm 94:18-19

I lift my eyes up to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:1-2

Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. — Psalm 116:7

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you. — Isaiah 54:10

All Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version, Zondervan, 2011.

I pray these verses bring you peace and encouragement today. 

Free Printable – 10 Verses for Anxiety

If you’d like a printable version of all 10 Scriptures to keep close in your Bible, on your nightstand, or tucked in your journal, you can grab them here. These are ones I have underlined over and over again in my Bible, reminding me of God’s love, his presence, and his help to lead me through any trouble that weighs down my heart.