From Worry To Worship: How To Let Go And Let God In Times Of Anxiety

I didn’t used to be a worrier. At least, I didn’t think I was. But anxiety has a sneaky way of slipping in. It starts small—an unpaid bill, a late paycheck, a strange symptom that Dr. Google turns into a death sentence. Before I knew it, I was living in constant “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios.

What changed me wasn’t some self-help book or a perfect coping technique. It was prayer. Not polished, churchy prayers—but raw, real, sometimes teary prayers whispered from a kitchen floor or behind the wheel in traffic. I had to learn, one breath at a time, how to let go and let God take control.

Step One: Name It and Hand It Over

Scripture doesn’t ask us to hide our fear. It invites us to name it and bring it straight to God. Philippians 4:6-7 says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I had to stop pretending I had it all together. So I started telling God everything. I prayed over the electric bill. I prayed when I was sick. I even prayed about whether to spend money on groceries or gas. No topic felt too small or too silly. If it kept me up at night, it went into prayer.

That verse doesn’t say, “Pretend you’re not anxious.” It says, “present your requests.” Anxiety pulls us inward, but prayer turns us outward—toward the One who already knows and cares.

Try this: When worry creeps in, pause and offer a one-line prayer. Something simple like, “Lord, I don’t see a way, but You do. Help me trust You.” You’re not denying the problem. You’re placing it in stronger hands.

Step Two: Refuse to Wrestle with What You Can’t Control

Jesus put it plainly in Matthew 6:27:

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Spoiler alert: the answer is no.

But I still try. I stay up late planning, overthinking, worst-casing everything. I act like my mental effort can somehow force the universe to behave. But it can’t. Worry drains energy. It steals focus. And it never fixes the problem.

Letting go doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means knowing your limits. Some things are yours to act on. Others belong to God. I’m learning to pray, “Lord, show me what’s mine to do—and help me leave the rest with You.”

Try this: Write down everything you’re worried about. Then, put a checkmark next to anything you can act on today. Circle the rest. That’s God’s department.

Step Three: Anchor Yourself in Truth, Not Feelings

Anxiety lies. It tells you that you’re alone. That things will never change. That God is distant or indifferent.

But feelings aren’t facts.

Jesus said in John 16:33:

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

God never promised a trouble-free life. But He did promise His presence. When fear starts screaming, I’ve learned to speak Scripture louder.

I started writing verses on sticky notes and slapping them on the bathroom mirror. I set Bible verse reminders on my phone. I built a “Worry Playlist” of worship songs that spoke truth when my emotions spun out.

Try this: Memorize one Bible verse this week that speaks directly to your fear. Say it out loud when worry hits. Watch what happens.

Step Four: Worship on Purpose

This one surprised me. I used to wait until I felt peaceful before I worshipped. But I’ve learned that worship isn’t just a response to peace—it’s often the path to peace.

Psalm 59:16 says:

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

David didn’t wait for his problems to vanish. He sang while he was in danger. Worship realigns our hearts. It reminds us who God is and what He’s already done. It pulls our gaze off the storm and onto the One who walks on water.

For me, worship includes blasting praise music while cleaning up. Or singing quietly while taking out the trash. Or whispering a prayer of thanks while watching the sunrise. When I choose to worship, the worry starts to melt.

Try this: Don’t wait until Sunday. Find a worship song that lifts your soul and play it while you drive or clean or walk. Sing along. Let the lyrics be your prayer.

Step Five: Walk It Out in Community

Anxiety thrives in isolation. Satan loves to make us feel like we’re the only ones struggling.

But James 5:16 tells us:

“Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

You don’t have to carry your fear alone. Talk to someone. Call a friend. Ask for prayer. Join a Bible study. Find your people.

Don’t be afraid to open up and share. Don’t be afraid to seem weak. You can find healing when you let trusted others into your mess. You don’t need to give details. Sometimes God uses community to remind us of His care.

Try this: Text a friend today and just say, “Hey, I’ve been feeling anxious. Can you pray for me?” You don’t have to explain it all. Just open the door.

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Final Thoughts: Letting Go Is a Daily Choice

Letting go and letting God take control isn’t a one-time decision. It’s something I’m learning to do every single day. Some mornings, I wake up anxious again. But now I know what to do.

I bring it to God.

I speak truth.

I worship anyway.

And I walk with others who remind me I’m not alone.

You’re not alone either.

God sees you. He cares about what keeps you up at night. And He invites you to trade your worry for His peace. Not because everything is perfect—but because He is.

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Scripture Recap:

• Philippians 4:6–7 – Present your requests to God
• Matthew 6:27 – Worry adds nothing
• John 16:33 – Jesus has overcome the world
• Psalm 59:16 – Sing of His strength in times of trouble

• James 5:16 – Pray for one another, that you may be healed

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Sources for further reading:

🔹 Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges

• Deep biblical insight on how and why to trust God when life doesn’t make sense.

🔹 Inspirational Thoughts for Every Day

• Minute meditations for every day containing a Scripture reading, a reflection, and a prayer.

🔹 Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

• Daily devotional for those struggling with worry or stress.

🔹 180 Bible Verses for Conquering Anxiety: Devotions for Women

• A compact, faith-filled guide featuring 180 Bible verses and uplifting devotional insights to help you overcome worry and anchor your heart in God’s truth.

🔹 Bible Verse Sticky Notes

• Visual reminders to “Let Go and Let God.”