Jesus, Take the Wheel

READ: PSALM 139:23-24; ROMANS 8:15, 28-39; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9; HEBREWS 13:5-6

Exactly one month after receiving my driver’s license, I got into a car accident. Though I was thankful to walk away without serious injuries, this event shook me. I had never been in such a dangerous situation before, especially one in which I was at fault. It took six months to find the courage to drive alone again, and even then, I chose the quietest route possible.

Over the years, I’ve experienced both victories and setbacks with car anxiety. Sometimes fear materializes in panic attacks, when it’s tough to breathe or I lose touch with reality. Other times, my heart races as if I’m about to face a threat.

Perhaps you’ve experienced anxiety before. Maybe it resulted after a frightening situation that left you feeling out of control. Or it’s possible you can’t pinpoint the exact moment when you first felt anxious, but you fight daily for peace of mind.

It’s easy to be frustrated with ourselves—and with God—when we experience setbacks with our mental health. Can good come from these trials?

Thankfully, yes, because we belong to a good God who works all things together “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Because Jesus died and rose again to save us, we are held securely in His love, now and forever (verses 38-39). When life gets hard, He stays with us, grieving our hurts alongside us and bringing healing.

Throughout my healing process, I began to pray whenever anxiety resurfaced. Sometimes I’d spend the entire drive in conversation with God. This led to deeper peace and the realization that I feel closest to God when I release control and trust Him with my life.

God didn’t create us to live in fear, but He did create us for relationship with Him (verse 15). We can’t control when fear grips us, but we can decide how we respond to it.

When you pray, God may not remove the thing you’re anxious about right away, but He will be with you through whatever you face. No matter what’s to come, He will never leave you. May the truth of His unfailing love and faithfulness provide you with peace. • Hannah Chung

• In moments of doubt and fear, how could it be helpful to know that Jesus is right there with us—and His response to our struggles is characterized, not by criticism, but by compassion and empathy? (2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Hebrews 4:14-16)

• Do you have any favorite verses or truths about God that bring you comfort and peace? Consider writing one down and carrying it with you as a reminder of His presence with you this week.

• Have you ever experienced a specific anxiety following a stressful event? Sadly, in our world that has been broken by sin, many people experience these things at some point in their lives, and this is nothing to be ashamed of. Instead of hiding our pain, God invites us to be honest with Him and with people we trust so we can experience healing. Remember, God not only works through prayer and Scripture, but also through friends and family, as well as professional counselors, therapists, and doctors.

• If you’re currently struggling with anxiety, whether it centers around something in particular or it’s more general, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it? If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

• If you’d like to know more about panic attacks—what they are and how Jesus helps us with them— download the free Unlocked app and search for “The Supercell” (published on March 6, 2024). 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)