Are you struggling to believe God isn’t disappointed with you because you aren’t “strong enough” to face the ongoing crisis you woke up to today? Do you feel like a failure because you’re caught up in the same battering storm, and no matter how hard you try to swim to safety, you’re far from peaceful shores? 

I’ve been there, friend. And even though I knew that God didn’t expect me to white-knuckle my way through chronic physical anxiety symptoms—and wouldn’t be disappointed in me if I needed medical help—it was a daily challenge to combat the lies of the enemy that said otherwise. 

I felt responsible, as though I should be strong enough to make my nervous system fall in line with the scriptural truths I’d grown up believing—truths that should keep me on firm footing. How could I still be struggling with physical anxiety symptoms?  

Are you being taunted by accusing thoughts like these?

• If your faith was STRONG ENOUGH, you wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.
• Even if you can’t change your circumstances, YOU SHOULD have ENOUGH faith to cancel out the fear that overwhelms you.

That’s not what God’s word says!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” –Psalms 46:1-2 NKJV

Although we think we should be strong enough to weather life’s storms, especially if we’ve had a good track record in the past or others expect us to be strong, God’s word tells us only He can provide that stability.

Here’s the Transforming Truth: 

God is our refuge and strength. In Hebrew, “refuge” (maḥăsê) means shelter from rain, storm, or danger; “strength” (ʿōz) means a stronghold for defense. God provides exactly what we need to endure destructive storms: shelter and defense. And even if the crisis is ongoing—even if circumstances haven’t changed—we don’t have to be afraid because He is actively protecting us. 

I prayed for God to provide relief from my physical anxiety symptoms without the use of medication. However, I realized I was limiting my prayers to this solution because I was afraid that turning to medication would prove my faith was not strong enough. Once I made that connection, I began to memorize scripture passages that addressed this fear.

In truth, I am not strong enough to force my nervous system to cooperate—and that’s not a failure of faith. I’m not strong enough, but God is! Amid my ongoing physical struggle with anxiety, I can experience peace because I know that God is actively protecting me and defending me from being wiped out by this affliction.

For reasons only God knows, He may not calm the storm you’re in just yet. But you can rest assured that He’s standing with you in it and defending you against its devastation. You are not disappointing Him because you’re not strong enough—He is your strength. He will provide all you need to survive the storm.

Looking for more transformational truths and life-changing stories? Get your copy of ButterflyLiving Life Changing Stories: A Devotional Collection Revealing God’s Faithfulness and Transforming Power today!

This collection of 34 inspirational stories sharing God’s faithfulness and transforming power in our lives (including mine) during our darkest seasons will encourage you to trust God’s extraordinary power to guide you to a hope-filled life. It’s my prayer that our stories are an encouragement and support to you in your faith journey with Jesus.