When Anxiety Feels Like a Giant
Finding courage, faith, and hope when fear feels overwhelming
There are moments in life when anxiety doesn’t just whisper—it shouts.
Moments when the weight of fear feels so heavy that all you want is to hide, to pause life, to find somewhere—anywhere—that feels safe.
I remember walking into a small faculty kitchen one day after class had started. I thought I heard someone inside. When I looked closer, tucked into a dark corner under a cabinet, I saw a student curled up on the floor.
When I asked what they were doing, they quietly said,
“Brother Downs… I’m just having a bad day. Would it be okay if I sit here for a while?”
That moment broke my heart.
Over the years, I saw this more and more—students overwhelmed, anxious, afraid to face the next class, the next interaction, or sometimes just life itself. And the more I paid attention, the clearer it became: anxiety was at the center of so much of their pain.
It’s OK to Not Be OK
If you struggle with anxiety, I want you to hear this clearly: there is nothing wrong with you.
Anxiety does not mean you are weak. It does not mean you lack faith. It does not mean you’re broken.
Just like diabetes, allergies, or sleep disorders, anxiety is a real condition—one many of us will face at some point in life. And until healing comes, it’s okay to not be okay.
Anxiety exists for a reason. It’s part of the body’s natural fight-or-flight system. But when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can make everyday life feel impossible.
And for teens especially, anxiety has become alarmingly common—driven by pressure to succeed, fear about the world, and the relentless comparison that comes from social media.
So what do we do when anxiety feels like it’s winning?
Five Truths for Facing Anxiety Head-On
One of the most powerful stories in scripture for understanding anxiety and fear is the story of David and Goliath. David wasn’t fearless—he was faithful. And his courage teaches us how to face our own giants.
1. Remember the cause
David asked, “Is there not a cause?”
When we remember why we’re here—our purpose, our worth, and the good we’re meant to bring—it gives us strength to face fear.
2. Look to the past for courage
David remembered the lion and the bear God had already helped him overcome.
Look back at your own life. You’ve survived hard things before. God has already carried you through more than you realize.
3. Be yourself—you are enough
David rejected armor that didn’t fit him. He faced fear with what he knew.
You don’t have to become someone else to heal. God works best with the real you.
4. Remember whose battle this really is
David declared, “The battle is the Lord’s.”
Some battles are quick. Others last years. Some may even stay with us for a lifetime—but none of them are fought alone.
5. Run toward the fear
This may be the hardest truth of all.
Healing begins the moment we stop running away. When we step forward—imperfect, afraid, but willing—God meets us there.
When Faith and Practical Help Work Together
Faith doesn’t replace practical help—it often leads us to it.
God may guide you to:
Professional counseling
Breathing and grounding techniques
Exercise and time outdoors
Reducing unrealistic expectations
Taking breaks from social media
All of these can be acts of faith when they’re done with trust in Him.
Today’s Daily Challenge
If anxiety has been weighing on you—or someone you love—do one of the following today:
Read 1 Samuel 17 and look for what David teaches about fear
Share this devotional with someone who’s struggling
Take a walk outside and focus on slow, steady breathing
Say this out loud: “It’s okay to not be okay—but I won’t give up.”
God doesn’t ask you to win today.
He asks you to keep showing up.
And the promise is this:
When we are weak, then are we strong.
Daily devotionals and episode topics:
https://joshdowns.com/daily-devotionals
Weekly gospel-based lessons for teens:
https://joshdowns.com/come-follow-me-for-teens
