Finding Peace in the Midst of the Storm: Three Biblical Ways to Overcome Anxiety

Anxiety is often described as a “thin stream of fear trickling through the mind,” but for many of us, it feels more like a crashing wave. In my coaching practice, I frequently meet individuals who feel paralyzed by the "what-ifs" of life. Whether it’s concern over finances, the health of a loved one, or the uncertainty of the future, anxiety has a way of clouding our vision and stealing our peace.

However, as we journey together toward reaching our true potential, we must remember that we are not called to live in a state of perpetual dread. The Bible doesn't just acknowledge our worry; it provides a transformative framework for overcoming it.

Here are three biblical ways to navigate through anxiety and find the footing you need to move forward.

1. Overcoming Anxiety Biblically Through "The Beautiful Exchange"

In our previous posts, we’ve discussed how coaching is often about what we focus on. Anxiety thrives when we focus solely on the problem. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

This is what I like to call the "beautiful exchange." We bring our heavy, tangled mess of worries to the Father, and in return, He gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Notice that the peace comes after the petition and thanksgiving. When we intentionally shift our focus from the mountain in front of us to the God who created the mountain, our perspective shifts from deficit to abundance.

2. Overcoming Anxiety Biblically by Anchoring Yourself in Today

Anxiety is almost always a "future-based" emotion. It lives in a tomorrow that hasn't happened yet. Jesus addressed this directly in the Sermon on the Mount: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

From a coaching perspective, this is about intentionality. When we are consumed by the future, we lose the capacity to be effective in the present. By anchoring ourselves in the "now" and trusting God for today’s bread, we reduce the overwhelming noise of the future to a manageable daily walk. Ask yourself: What is the one thing God is asking me to be faithful with right now?

3. Overcoming Anxiety Biblically by Guarding Your Mental Narrative

We often talk about the power of affirmations and mindset. The Bible was ahead of the curve on this, instructing us to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Anxiety is fueled by a narrative—usually one where we are alone, unequipped, or failing. Overcoming it requires us to audit our thoughts. If a thought doesn't align with the truth of God’s Word—that He is with you, that He provides, and that you are His—then that thought must be replaced. Instead of repeating the "what-if" of fear, begin repeating the "even-if" of faith: Even if the storm rages, God is my anchor.

Final Thoughts Anxiety may be a part of your current experience, but it does not have to be your identity. By practicing the beautiful exchange, staying present, and guarding your narrative, you can reclaim the peace that is rightfully yours.

Are you ready to stop surviving the "what-ifs" and start living into your true potential? Let's choose today to walk in faith, one step at a time.

Coach U:

• The Beautiful Exchange: Looking at the specific situation currently causing you the most anxiety, what would it look like to literally "hand it over" in prayer? Write down the worry on one side of a page, and on the other, write down one characteristic of God (His faithfulness, His provision, His sovereignty) that is bigger than that worry.

• Anchoring in Today: If you were to strip away every concern about next month, next year, or even next week, what is the one small, intentional action you can take in the next 24 hours to honour God and move forward?

• Guarding Your Narrative: Think about the "voice" of your anxiety. What is the specific lie it is telling you right now (e.g., "I am not enough," or "I am all alone")? Now, find one specific scripture that speaks the truth against that lie—how does that truth change the way you see your potential?