John 16:33 Devotional for Anxiety at Bedtime

Peace for a Mind Still Spinning
Your Nightly Prayer
by Amber Ginter

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

SOMETHING TO PONDER

For years, I used to believe the lie that if I were a “strong enough Christian,” my anxiety would finally cease. If I just “prayed the right prayer,” or “had enough faith,” my mental and physical health struggles would go away. Have you ever been told these lies or tempted to believe them?

The reality is, being a Christian doesn’t mean living a life without trouble. In fact, Jesus tells us just the opposite in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble.” That trouble includes physical calamities and mental setbacks. But amidst that trouble, God sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit so that we would know we never have to face these hardships alone.

Knowing Jesus doesn’t mean our minds won’t still spin. It means that we can look to the one who steadies the world when ours is shaking. Because Jesus conquered death and the grave, we can look forward to a place where trouble will be no more. Today, you and I may continue to wrestle for eternal peace. Especially for those of us with diagnosed mental illnesses, it’s not as simple to “just stop worrying.” But did you know God died for us, too?

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He also died for our struggles. This is why John tells us that these things have happened so that we may have peace in Him, not our circumstances. Yes, in this world, we will have trouble, friends, but these hardships are small and few in light of eternity. That doesn’t mean facing struggles will be easier, but it does give us an eternal perspective.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Jesus,
My mind is spinning right now. I’m anxious, overwhelmed, and can’t seem to find your peace. But, Lord, amidst my anxiety and greatest fears, I declare that you are God. You are good. You are in control. And you care about me. No matter what I face on this side of Heaven, remind me that you’re here and care about me. In this world, we will have trouble, but we never face those troubles alone. I praise, thank, and glorify your name, Jesus.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

Commit to memorizing John 16:33. Write it on a sticky note and place one in your car and one in your bathroom. When you’re feeling on edge, mentally recite this Scripture. Remember, God is with you, even here.
What is your mind still spinning about? Take time to journal and discuss these concerns with God. Lay them down, one by one, as you pour out your heart before the Lord.
Make a list of lies you believe about struggling (eg, If I were a strong enough Christian, I wouldn’t struggle). Then, work with a friend, therapist, or family member to counter the lie with what the Word of God actually says.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.