How to Overcome Anxiety: The Power of Your Thoughts

By Lauren Rose Correa, June 29, 2025

How to Overcome Anxiety: Woman Looking in Mirror

In Philippians 4, Paul writes that if we are anxious, we can present our cares to the Lord in prayer. When we do this, it is promised that his peace will guard our hearts. This sounds so simple, but when we are wrestling with and wondering how to overcome anxiety, it often doesn’t seem to be an adequate solution.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:6-8 NIV

How to Overcome Anxiety: Think on Things That Are Good

It’s interesting to note that right after discussing anxiety, Paul writes to think on things that are good. I’ve found that sometimes when I’m caring for my daughter, my thoughts can go to a very dark place of worrying for her safety. I start to think about awful scenarios that could happen, and my heart fills with worry. I’ve been convicted lately that when I think these thoughts, I need to put a stop to them. I give the worry attached to them to the Lord in prayer and I intentionally replace them with positive thoughts.

If you are praying and presenting your anxiety to the Lord with no relief, perhaps it’s time to take a look at something mentioned later in this passage: your thought life. What are you thinking about during the day? What TV shows are you watching? What are you exposing yourself to on social media? What are you reading? What music are you listening to? What are you meditating on?

What Are You Thinking About?

If you are reading negative news stories on social media or watching violent shows on TV, these things can contribute to your anxiety. Putting scary thoughts in your head makes it easier for you to ruminate on bad things that could happen. They contribute to your ability to imagine negative scenarios playing out. I believe that this contributes to anxiety, especially if you are already inclined toward being an anxious person.

How to Overcome Anxiety: What To Think Instead

If you feel like this is resonating with you as being the cause of your anxiety, the solution is taking control of what thoughts you allow yourself to think. Take control of the media you consume! Start reading, watching, and scrolling more intentionally and fill your mind with positive thoughts. Unfollow those negative news outlets or friends who are always posting negative things. Replace it with reading your Bible, prayer, learning a new hobby or skill, listening to worship music, or watching an uplifting TV show.

I’ve found that minimizing my exposure to things like violence and political commentary has helped my anxiety. When online, I try to focus on lighter things like recipes, thrifting, and DIY. This has helped me to stay positive and free of anxiety.

How About You?

Is there some media you are consuming that is making you anxious? What positive content can you replace that with to help you have better thoughts?

If you’re struggling with anxiety, there could be more than just one cause. Check out these common causes of anxiety and see if any of them resonate with you.