Faith Over Fear: Overcoming Spiritual Anxiety during Darkness
Life isn’t always smooth sailing. We all face moments of darkness—times when anxiety, fear, and doubt seem to take over, especially in the most spiritually trying moments. Whether it’s the pressure of daily life, personal challenges, or an invisible sense of dread you can’t shake, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight. But even in these times, there is hope. As Richard Mator writes in his book God, Demons, and The Meaning of Life, spiritual battles are real, and the enemy often works through fear and anxiety to pull us away from God’s peace. But the good news is that we don’t have to fight these battles alone.
Spiritual anxiety is a battle of the mind and spirit. It often stems from feelings of isolation, doubt, or fear of the unknown. Yet, as Mator’s journey demonstrates, the key to overcoming it is leaning into faith rather than succumbing to the fear that seeks to steal our peace. Faith isn’t just about belief in something beyond us; it’s about trusting that God will guide us through the darkness, even when it feels overwhelming. So, how do we combat spiritual anxiety and fear? How do we maintain peace during chaos? Here are some practical strategies to help you lean into faith and trust in God’s protection.
Acknowledge the Darkness, but Focus on the Light
One of the first steps in combating spiritual anxiety is acknowledging the fear or distress you feel without letting it define you. It’s easy to want to push away negative emotions or ignore them, but suppressing fear doesn’t make it go away. Mator’s story is a reminder that spiritual darkness doesn’t always show up as a dramatic, prominent force. Sometimes, it creeps in slowly through negative thoughts or subtle feelings of isolation. Acknowledging the fear opens the door to dealing with it head-on.
However, simply acknowledging the fear isn’t enough. The key is to focus on the light—on God’s love and protection. In the book, Mator talks about finding God during darkness and how God’s light can shine brighter than any shadow, even in the most trying moments. When fear overwhelms us, it’s important to remember that God is greater than any force of darkness. You may not be able to eliminate the fear instantly, but you can choose to focus on the truth of God’s promises.
Root Yourself in Scripture
Scripture is one of our most powerful tools for combating fear and anxiety. Turning to the Bible can bring peace and perspective when you find yourself overwhelmed. In God, Demons, and the Meaning of Life, Mator reflects on how spiritual strength is built through scripture. Through God’s word, we are reminded of His faithfulness, His love, and His ability to protect us through any challenge.
One verse that Mator highlights is from Isaiah 41:10, where God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you and uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse reminds us that fear doesn’t need to control us. God promises to be with us, offering strength and support in our weakest moments. When spiritual anxiety begins to rise, grounding yourself in scripture reminds you of God’s presence and power.
Practice Daily Prayer and Meditation
Prayer is another powerful way to combat spiritual anxiety. Prayer isn’t just about asking God for things; it’s about inviting God into your life and surrendering your fears to Him. Mator emphasizes how prayer helped him strengthen his relationship with God and find peace amidst the turmoil through it. When we pray, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. We share our burdens with the Creator, who knows us better than anyone else.
To combat anxiety, it’s essential to make prayer a daily habit. Even when life feels overwhelming, set aside time to connect with God, pour out your worries, and ask for His peace. Prayer doesn’t always solve every problem instantly, but it provides comfort and assurance that God is listening. Worship also helps refocus your mind on God’s sovereignty, reminding you that He controls everything, even when life is spinning out of control.
Alongside prayer, meditation can help calm the mind. Taking a few minutes to reflect on God’s goodness and focus on His promises can be incredibly grounding. When you feel spiritually anxious, meditation helps you center your thoughts on the truth that God is with you and that His peace is available to you, no matter the circumstances.
Remember God’s Faithfulness in the Past
Sometimes, the best way to combat spiritual anxiety is to reflect on the times in the past when God has been faithful. In God, Demons, and The Meaning of Life, Mator recalls the moments when he encountered God’s presence in powerful, life-changing ways. Remembering how God has guided, protected, and provided for you in the past can help build your confidence that He will continue to do so.
Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey. How has God shown up for you in the past? What are the moments when you’ve seen His hand at work? These memories serve as a reminder that God is trustworthy and hasn’t abandoned you in your struggles. When you feel overwhelmed by fear or anxiety, look back at God’s faithfulness as a source of strength for the present moment.
Lean on the Support of Others
Spiritual battles can often feel isolating, but you don’t have to fight them alone. Mator highlights the importance of community, emphasizing that we are stronger when we walk through life together. When fear and anxiety weigh heavily on you, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a family member, or a spiritual mentor, sharing your struggles with someone else can provide encouragement and reassurance.
Community offers a sense of solidarity, reminding you that you’re not alone in your journey. Sometimes, knowing that others are praying for you or walking alongside you can bring peace and comfort. In the book, Mator encourages readers to remember that spiritual battles are universal—we all face them, and it’s okay to seek help from others who understand the struggle.
Trust in God’s Protection
Lastly, trusting in God’s protection is one of the most essential strategies for overcoming spiritual anxiety. In moments of distress, it’s easy to feel vulnerable or defenseless. But the truth is that we are never without God’s protection as believers. Mator writes about the importance of putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to protect our minds and spirits from the forces that seek to undermine our peace. When anxiety takes hold, it’s crucial to remember that God is our protector, and nothing can separate us from His love and care.
Even when life feels uncertain, trusting in God’s protection gives us peace of mind. You don’t have to fight spiritual battles alone; God is always by your side, ready to shield you from harm.
Conclusion
Spiritual anxiety and fear are real, but they don’t have to rule your life. You can find peace amidst the darkness by focusing on God’s light, rooting yourself in scripture, practicing daily prayer and reflection, and leaning on your community. Trusting in God’s protection and remembering His faithfulness will help you overcome the fear that tries to steal your joy and confidence. With faith, you can face any challenge, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.