Feeling trapped in the clutches of anxiety is an all-too-common experience, one that can leave us feeling paralyzed, isolated, and overwhelmed. Despite our best efforts to break free, anxiety often persists, its grip tightening with each passing day. If you find yourself mired in this cycle, you're not alone. Understanding the reasons behind this persistent state of anxiety is the first step toward regaining control and finding a path toward peace of mind. Here, I explore three compelling reasons why you might find yourself entrenched in anxiety's grasp, shedding light on potential pathways to liberation and mental well-being.

1. You continue to fret. Psalm 37:8 says, “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” To fret means continuously thinking about, brooding, or focusing on a subject persistently and moodily. One of the reasons that you and I can become trapped in anxiety is that we continue to rehearse anxious events or the things with we are preoccupied. Admittedly, saying “just don’t think about it” sounds rudimentary. Yet, we must acknowledge that rehearsing negativity in our minds is not a healthy use of our imaginations. Instead, we can take steps to entertain ourselves with other, more positive things worth considering. Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” We are not passengers on a train, meant to sit back idly by as anxious thoughts drive us wherever they desire. We can be drivers, stirring our minds to places that are more calming and that help us to find peace and be free of anxiety.

2. You lost focus of thanksgiving. We often forget to stay grateful for the things we have and the circumstances that have been a blessing to us during times of anxiety. When we lose sight of the things that have blessed us, our hearts become heavy, and we start to believe the only way we can be happy is if our anxious circumstances turn out how we desire. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We often read this Scripture and focus on the call to present our request to God. We mistakenly believe that if we pray about it, our hearts will immediately cease from worry, and the peace of God will sweep away our anxiety. However, if you are reading this, odds are you have already prayed and discovered that your anxiety remained. The key in this verse lies in the part that speaks to your heart posture as you pray - with thanksgiving. When we pray, we must cultivate a heart of thankfulness by recalling the areas of our lives where God has already moved and blessed us. This practice can dislodge us from anxiety's grasp.

3. Do not boast about tomorrow. This one is a bit complicated. Proverbs 22:3 says “A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.” There is wisdom in looking down the field, so to speak. Yet, look ahead, plan, and don’t leave things to chance. While this is prudent, there are times that I’ve found myself stuck in anxiety because of my continuous obsession with what was coming next. My backup plans had back up plans. My mind uncontrollably swirled with what if’s and backup plans. Maybe this has been true for you too. James 4:13 encourages us not to boast about tomorrow. Verse 14 says “…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.” We can not spin our wheels thinking about all the possible scenarios of tomorrow. We are commanded not to. As Jesus said, today has enough worry of its own. We must discipline ourselves to avoid trying to imagine all the possible outcomes. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. Focus your attention on what is today.

We can get unstuck from anxiety thought cycles. We must interrupt them with thanksgiving, refusing to stress ourselves out, and trying to consider all the possible outcomes. God is in control and he wants us to be free from anxiety. Here is a helpful resource for CLIMBing out of anxiety.