Trusting Yahweh When Anxiety Rises: A Biblical Reflection on Fear and Faith
My travel itinerary did not include a full-blown panic attack in the middle of the Jackson Hole mountains.
While skiing, I made a sharp turn down a narrow trail, but my body gave way to the frozen ground. I wiped out hard. Anxiety consumed me, and I didn’t feel relief until my feet hit the steady ground at the bottom of the mountain.
Anxiety and panic can feel paralyzing—like they’ve taken your legs out from underneath you. It’s like walking on shaky ground.
But God knows exactly how it feels to be human, and He has not left us alone in our fear.
A Steady Word for Shaky Souls
Isaiah 41:10 says:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (CSB).
These words were spoken through the prophet Isaiah to the exiled Israelites—God’s people who felt abandoned, afraid, and surrounded by enemies. Their circumstances were overwhelming. But God didn’t rebuke their fear; He reminded them of who He is.
The Hebrew phrase for “fear not” is al-tira, which doesn’t simply mean “don’t be afraid.” It is a command to release fear because of who God is. It’s not a denial of anxiety—it’s a call to trust Yahweh even in the midst of it.
God Doesn't Condemn Your Fear—He Meets You in It
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God is with us in our fear. He offers strength, help, and support when anxiety threatens to overtake us.
Fear is a natural response to hardship—but we don’t have to face it alone.
"When you’re struggling with anxiety, focus on the faithfulness of God instead of the fearful thoughts."
Release fear to Yahweh. He is more than capable of walking you through the storm.
He lifts, supports, and steadies your anxious heart. His hand holds you together. I know this personally.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
"There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear..." —1 John 4:18 (CSB)
God’s love for you is personal. It’s protective. It’s perfect.
He cares deeply for you and desires peace for your soul. His grace will cover you on the days when your anxiety feels like too much.
Fear doesn’t get the final word—God does. And He’s got you, friend.
Reflection Questions
How does Isaiah 41:10 encourage you when you’re feeling anxious?
What are some ways you can release your fear to Yahweh today?
What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on God's faithfulness?
Additional Scripture for the Anxious Heart
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” —Joshua 1:9 (CSB)
Meet the Author
Kelley Spencer
Kelley is a Christian author, mental health advocate, and the mother of two boys (and one in Heaven) living in Minnesota. She loves tacos, pizza, walks on the beach, and staying active. Kelley is most at peace outside in nature, digging her hands in the dirt, hiking a trail, or exploring a new area. Kelley graduated from Concordia University - St. Paul with a Bachelor's in Communication Studies and Journalism. Kelley’s writing appears in The Mighty, Her View From Home, Dayspring, Living by Design Ministries, and Focus on the Family. She has God-sized dreams of publishing multiple books and bible studies. Connect with her on kelleyspencer.com or Substack.
Kelley's mission is to shine God's light in the darkness of mental health struggles, talk about the stigmas that exist in the Church, bring awareness to difficult topics of trauma, self-harm, and suicide, and show others who God is and how to run towards Him when hardship arises.
