Christian Girl Talk: Let’s Be Real About Anxiety

Faith doesn’t make anxiety disappear, but it does change how we face it. Right now, I’m feeling a little nervous for my upcoming biology exam, especially since my teacher said that next Thursday (the day of the exam) is the biggest day of our lives. She was kidding…right? Haha, I’m just joking. Her words didn’t bother me; they actually made me chuckle, because that same day is my fifteenth birthday! So maybe not the biggest day of my life, but still pretty important because I am SO excited to get my permit!!! Seriously, though—the Biology End of Course exam day is not the biggest day of your life. It’s one test and will not determine your "life’s outcome." I’m not saying don’t study for your exams, don’t care about school, or flunk out. I’m just saying, don’t let people’s words bother you or stress you out. (My mom seriously does not appreciate how the administrators at my brother’s school are making their exams seem like the most important thing in the world. He’s only in 5th grade! Like, relax a bit!)

However…I need to take my own advice. I’ve stressed out over a couple low A’s. I legit cried when I missed three questions and got an 88 on a government quiz at the beginning of the school year. Guess what? It didn’t hurt me at all. I ended the class with a 99!

Actually, what’s crazy is that the Friday before I started writing this post, my Bible study group literally talked about anxiety. The timing was amazing—God clearly knew I needed it. We read from Matthew 6, where Jesus says: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26) That verse really stuck with me. Like, birds aren’t stressing out about their next meal—and God takes care of them. So why do we act like we’re on our own? That morning at Bible study reminded me that if God provides for the little birds, He’s definitely going to take care of me too. I don’t have to walk through life alone. He’s got me, even when I’m anxious.

Here are a few ways you can try to manage your worries!

1. Pray
   You don’t need perfect words. Just tell God exactly how you’re feeling. He already knows and He wants to hear from you.
   

2. Find a go-to verse & repeat it out loud
   Keep a favorite Bible verse in your notes app or taped on your mirror. When anxiety hits, say it out loud to shift your focus. (Matthew 6:26 is a great one!)
   

3. Talk to someone you trust
   A friend, parent, youth leader, or mentor. Talking it out can break the cycle of anxious thoughts, and sometimes, they’ll remind you of truth you forgot.
   

4. Take a breath (and maybe a break)
   Deep breathing actually helps calm your nervous system. Step away for a moment, go outside, stretch, or drink some water. Resetting your body helps your mind.
   

5. Journal
   Write down your anxious thoughts, then respond to them with truth (like: “Even if I don't do well this test, God still loves me”).
   

6. Get off of your phone (just for a bit)
   Social media can make anxiety worse without us even realizing. Try unplugging for a while and doing something that refreshes you—like reading, art, or listening to worship music.
   

7. Remember you’re not alone
   God is with you in the exact moment you feel anxious. And He’s put people in your life who care. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.