Anxiety is real. And those who suffer from it understand a few things. For one, it hurts. Anxiety can wreck sleep, cause nervousness, induce irritability, and affect change in appetite.
Anxiety –
A feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.
Might cause one to sweat, feel restless and tense, have a rapid heartbeat.
A normal reaction.
And here’s another important fact about anxiety. Grandparents are not immune. Consider that many grandparents worry about their grandchild’s health and safety, their lifestyle choices, their future. Others mourn a wayward adult child or grandchild. Some grieve lost relationships. And others still fear all the things that could happen to an aging adult living on a fixed income.
No, grandparents are not immune to anxiety. In fact, with all the free time that comes with retirement, it can be easy for them to be sucked into an endless loop of gloom and doom thoughts.
However, while we know that anxiety is real, we also know that God does not leave us to navigate it alone. In John 10:10, Jesus promises that He has come to bring us an abundant life. There is hope, even in our anxiety.
Bible Verses for the Anxious Grandparent
“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
Grandparent, get this. We don’t have to manufacture our own peace. In fact, it’s not possible for us to manufacture peace. Peace (true peace in the middle of our anxiety) comes from God. It is a gift He freely gives to us.
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
I see two encouraging and comforting truths here. First, while we have absolutely no power to change anything about those things over which we are anxious, we do know the One who has all power. And He tells us to bring our anxieties to Him.
Secondly, this verse comforts us with the knowledge that we do not have to understand our circumstances (or our grandchild’s or adult child’s circumstances) to experience peace.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
This one goes right along with the previous passage. What comfort in knowing that we can cast our anxieties on God. That’s right. No matter whether they are small or large, relational or personal, we can give them to Him. Because of His great love for us, He wants our anxieties.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Here’s some good news. We may not have the power to control our grandchild’s or adult child’s circumstances, but that does not mean we are totally powerless. No, the Bible tells us that God does not leave us powerless. If we are His child, we have life-from-death power living in us. No matter the circumstance, we need not live in fear.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
In truth, we can do nothing in our own strength. And isn’t it glorious that we never have to? For this verse tells us that God is with us. He strengthens us. He upholds us.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25
We looked above at some of the effects of anxiety. Fear, sleeplessness, restlessness, dread – all weigh us down. In anxious moments, open your Bible, read Scripture, remind yourself of the Good News. God’s Word will lift your spirits and lighten your load.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
What a great reminder. Don’t borrow trouble. Trust God. Take life one day at a time.
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19
God doesn’t leave us alone in our anxiety. His comfort produces joy, even in our heavy hearts.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
God makes a way for us. He is always with us – the One who never leaves. No matter the cause or circumstance behind our anxiety, we are not alone.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Living an anxious life is exhausting. But with Jesus, we can find true rest for our souls. He offers rest even in what we see as the direst of circumstances.
Yes, anxiety is real. But so is hope.
Claim these promises. Rather than getting sucked into an endless loop of gloom and doom over the circumstances your or your loved one is facing, turn to Christ. The Bible truly is full of truth, encouragement, and comfort for anxious grandparent’s heart.
