3 Steps to Combating Anxiety at Night with Christ
This post is about anxiety at night.
Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current Student working toward her PHD learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.
Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Are you wanting to learn more about anxiety at night? Are you wanting to learn practical coping skills to combat late night racing thoughts? In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss an educational coping skill and why late night anxiety happens. Let’s get started!
What to do with night anxiety?
Isaiah 12:2
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.”
Mental Health Insight – Have you ever experienced moments where your brain fixates on unfinished tasks such as chores, emails, or relationship difficulties but completely forgets things you’ve already completed? This is known as the Zeigarnik Effect. Psychology explains this is the brain’s ability to fixate on incomplete tasks as a way to make sure it is addressed. However, when we struggle with anxiety the Zeigarnik Effect starts to loop our biggest and worst fears. Some of these fears may never come true but our brain is stuck trying to find a way to address the issue. This causes our body to enter a heightened state, sounding our nervous system’s alarm making one fear they are in danger. To combat this, the brain requires Cognitive Closure. This is a firm, decisive anchor that signals the “loop” is addressed or will be addressed, allowing the mind to finally power down and rest.
Now Let’s Practice!
1. Name the Unfinished Thought
When a specific worry keeps replaying in your thoughts, your mind is treating it like an urgent task that must be finished right away. When you feel overwhelmed, pause and identify the exact concern.
- Write the worry down on a piece of paper or speak it aloud.
- Acknowledge what is weighing on you without judging yourself for feeling burdened.
- Getting the thought out of your head and onto paper helps take away its immediate intensity.
2. Choose Your Spiritual Anchor
To find peace, you don’t need to have all the answers or fix the problem right this second—you simply need to place it in capable hands. Transfer the burden over to God by speaking truth over your situation.
- Recite Isaiah 12:2 aloud: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.”
- Let this scripture act as a firm, decisive period at the end of your fearful thoughts.
- Remind yourself that God’s finished work is greater than your current unknowns.
3. Exhale and Shift Your Attention
Once you have handed the outcome over to God, your body often needs a gentle physical reminder that it is safe to relax and move forward.
If the fear tries to return later in the day, gently remind yourself: “I have already placed that in God’s hands for today.”
Take a slow, deep breath in, and release a heavy exhale.
Physically pivot to a new task—get a glass of water, step outside for a moment, or fold a shirt.
Faith Connection – God created our nervous system to protect us. However, the fall of this world has negatively influenced our body to sometimes get stuck in the “what-if” loops. But when we approach these loops from a biblical worldview, trusting in God is allowing God’s finished work to overcome life’s circumstances. By actively choosing to say, “I will trust you Lord”, you are giving your nervous system permission to stop the loop. You don’t need to know how the story ends, because we can trust that the Holy Father knows how it will end.
Reflection Question: What is one specific unresolved worry that your brain keeps obsessing over today? How does declaring “Surely God is my ultimate safety” help you put a period at the end of that anxious sentence?
Prayer: Dear God, my mind is so exhausted from spinning over unresolved problems and future “what-ifs.” Thank You that my ultimate safety is not a unfinished task I have to figure out, but a finished work secured by You. I choose to close the loop of my anxiety today by trusting Your character. Bring my racing thoughts to a halt, and replace my fear with Your definitive peace. Amen.
Christian Mental Health Book Recommendations
Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life” by Anne Bogel – Anne Bogel delivers a highly pragmatic framework for combating the pervasive mental fatigue fueled by endless second-guessing and incomplete cognitive loops. By offering actionable strategies to neutralize the psychological drain of the Zeigarnik effect, she empowers readers to achieve definitive cognitive closure and streamline their decision-making processes. Ultimately, this resource liberates the mind from the paralysis of overanalysis, clearing the mental clutter necessary to experience authentic, everyday joy.
“Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” by Craig Groeschel – Seamlessly synthesizing the evidence-based methodologies of cognitive behavioral therapy with foundational scriptural principles, Craig Groeschel offers a robust psychological antidote to chronic mental distress. He equips readers with actionable strategies to identify and permanently neutralize the unresolved cognitive loops that fuel toxic rumination and perpetuate anxiety. Ultimately, this transformative guide empowers individuals to reclaim cognitive agency, rewire destructive neural pathways, and anchor their minds in lasting spiritual peace.
Why wait for shipping when you can start reading—or listening—right now for FREE? 🚀
Get instant access to the mental health tools recommended on this blog in under 60 seconds. Whether you prefer flipping pages on your screen or listening on the go, choose the format that works best for you:
📖 Prefer to Read? Grab your [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial here] to instantly unlock this title and thousands of others right on your phone or tablet.
🎧 Prefer to Listen? Claim your [Free 30-Day Audible Trial here] to get a FREE audiobook of your choice. Download it instantly and listen anytime, anywhere!
Stop waiting and start your journey today
Closing Thoughts
I hope today’s blog post was not only educational but also helped you draw closer to God. If you or someone you know struggling to find peace and want guidance, please connect with a therapist today! Check out TherapyforChristians.com to get connected with a faith-based provider in your area!
Don’t forget to subscribe to never miss a post!
Think Like Christ Mental Health
Disclaimer
Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline you all have the best and most blessed day!
My current open loop is unpacking and always worrying about being kicked out even though know that isn’t really an option but I’m so scared sometimes to actually enjoy what God blessed us with. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. And I’m currently having a bad day so thank u for this
Actively choosing to trust in the Lord during those continuous loops of thinking is such a great way to, as you mentioned, give your nervous system permission to stop the loop. I find myself having to do that often when I’m caught up in the fast pace of the day.