I want to talk about something that most men won’t come out and say on their own: MEN STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY TOO. And I’m not just talking about guys in general—Christian men, guys like you and me, also wrestle with anxiety. I know, there’s this idea that if we’re really strong in our faith, anxiety shouldn’t touch us. But honestly, that’s just not true.
Anxiety can sneak up on anyone, regardless of how much we love Jesus or how much we’ve got it together on the outside. And when it hits, it’s not just a mental thing. It’s emotional, spiritual, and even physical. I’ve seen it happen, felt it myself, and you probably have too, whether or not you’ve put it into words yet.
1. You Don’t Have to Keep It to Yourself
First off, let me say this: it’s okay to talk about it. I know that’s tough for a lot of us. We’re taught to be strong, to handle things on our own, and as Christian men, we might even feel like we need to show we’ve got unwavering faith. But bottling this stuff up only makes it worse.
Think about the Bible—David poured his heart out to God. He cried, he complained, he questioned. And Jesus? He was so anxious before the cross that He was sweating drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. Talking about anxiety doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. Whether you talk to your wife, a close friend, or a pastor, just getting it off your chest can make a world of difference.
2. Your Body and Mind Are Connected
Your anxiety isn’t just in your head. It affects your whole body. You might not even realize how connected your physical health and your mental state are. If you’re not sleeping, not eating well, or constantly burning the candle at both ends, your body is going to react, and often that reaction shows up as anxiety.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19, it says our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means we should take care of them. And taking care of your body might involve seeing a doctor or therapist. It’s not a lack of faith to take care of your mental health just like you’d take care of a physical injury. Sometimes anxiety has physical symptoms, and there’s no shame in addressing those.
3. Anxiety and Spiritual Warfare
Here’s a spiritual aspect we need to talk about. Sometimes, anxiety can feel like you’re in a battle. Ephesians 6:12 says we’re in a spiritual war, and while that doesn’t mean every anxious thought comes from the devil, it does mean we’re vulnerable to attacks in times of weakness. The enemy loves to use anxiety to make us feel disconnected from God or doubt His goodness.
But you’re not defenseless. Ephesians 6 talks about putting on the armor of God—faith, prayer, scripture. When those anxious thoughts come, you can fight back with truth. Sometimes, we need to remember that we’re not just fighting anxiety on a mental level, but we’re also standing firm spiritually.
It’s really important to pray and fill your mind with the Word of God to counteract the lies the enemy could be trying to tell you… causing you anxiety.
4. It’s Okay to Rest
If there’s one thing we’re bad at as men, it’s resting. We’re so busy trying to do everything, be everything, and take care of everyone, that we forget to stop and take care of ourselves. But even Jesus took time to rest. Mark 6:31 tells us He told His disciples to get away and rest, and if Jesus did that, don’t you think we should too?
It’s easy to feel guilty for resting. Maybe you feel like you’re slacking off, or there’s just too much to do. But rest is part of God’s design. We need to step away from our responsibilities sometimes to recharge. Trust me, it’s okay to take that time. It doesn’t mean you’re letting anyone down. In fact, taking care of yourself will make you better at handling everything else.
5. Trusting God Even When Anxiety Is Heavy
This is probably the hardest part, but also the most important. When anxiety hits, it’s often because we feel out of control. We’re trying to handle things that are bigger than us, or we’re scared of the unknown. But here’s the truth: God is sovereign, and He’s still in control, even when we’re not.
Romans 8:28 says that God works all things together for good. That doesn’t mean everything will always be easy or that we’ll never feel anxious again. But it does mean that God is using even our anxious moments for something greater. He’s with you, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. So when anxiety hits, take it to Him. He can handle it, and He cares deeply about what you’re going through.
So, What Can You Do About It?
If you’re feeling this struggle, here are a few practical steps you can take:
- Talk to someone: Don’t keep it all inside. Find someone you trust and be honest about how you’re feeling.
- See a professional: If your anxiety is overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to a counselor or doctor. There’s no shame in seeking help.
- Get some rest: Take time to recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually. You’re not meant to carry everything on your own.
- Stay connected to God: Fill your mind with His Word and stay in prayer, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Remember God’s in control: When anxiety makes you feel like things are spinning out of control, remind yourself that God is still holding everything together.
Anxiety doesn’t make you less of a man, and it definitely doesn’t make you less of a Christian. It’s something many of us face, and it’s okay to admit that. With faith, practical steps, and support, you can manage it and find peace, even in the middle of the storm.
