What does Jesus know about anxiety?

May 28, 2026

A popular cliche states that God would never give us more than we can handle. This props up misplaced faith in our own strength, when Jesus wants us to rely on Him, our Wonderful Counselor. A comforting truth is that Jesus knows exactly what anxiety feels like. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His crucifixion, He was “deeply distressed and troubled” (Mark 14:33). Luke, a physician, recorded that Jesus was so distressed, in fact, that he began to sweat blood: “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). Hematidrosis is a rare, but very real, medical condition that causes one’s sweat to contain blood. The sweat glands are surrounded by tiny blood vessels that can constrict and then dilate to the point of rupture, causing blood to effuse into the sweat glands. The cause of hematidrosis is extreme anguish. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38; cf. Mark 14:34). Therefore, Jesus has a profound understanding of pain and suffering, both the physical and the emotional. He invites us to remember that we are deeply valued and that God is actively caring for us in our suffering. He promised His followers:“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)This isn’t just empty positive thinking. It’s an invitation to exchange our restless hearts for His steady peace.

Practical Ways to Bring Jesus Into Your Anxiety

Talk to Him honestly – Pour out your fears without a filter. Prayer isn’t about sounding spiritual or choosing pretty words for an eloquent speech; it’s about growing the relationship between you and the God who loves you. He is a safe place to "ugly cry" and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Cast your cares – 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Visualize yourself physically handing over the weight to Jesus, one worry at a time.

Focus on today – Anxiety is often future focused. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34) and “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or drink; nor about your body, what you will put on… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26) Anxiety loves to live in the future. Jesus keeps us grounded in the present.

Remember His call – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… and you will find rest for your souls.” Mathew 11:28-30 Surrender the desire to have control over every outcome and surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

Too overwhelmed to get started? Use this prayer:

Lord Jesus, when my thoughts race and my fear rises, help me remember You are near to me. Calm the storms in my mind and my heart the way You calmed the sea. Focus my awareness on the breath I am taking right now... at this moment... a gift sustained at Your will, as I use it to praise Your name and put my faith and trust in You. I give you my burdens and I accept Your perfect peace. Amen.

Back to blog