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I’m Just a Guy: With AnxietySample

I’m Just a Guy: With Anxiety

DAY 5 OF 5

Walking in Peace Daily

“Doing good.”

That was my default answer for years whenever someone asked how I was doing. It was easier to say those two words than to reveal what was really going on inside.

I became a master of hiding my feelings—because the last thing I wanted was for someone to see a crack in my armor. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that being a man meant always having it all together:

  • My finances had to be flawless.
  • My fitness needed to be top-notch.
  • My family life had to look like something out of a Hallmark movie.

But all that pressure started to crush me.

It took a toll on my mind, my body, and my spirit. I felt like a ticking time bomb, never knowing what would finally set me off. After walking through a painful divorce, I knew things had to change. That journey hasn’t been easy.

When I met my wife, I committed to building our relationship on truth. That wasn’t natural for me at first—and honestly, it’s still something I struggle with. She’s my best friend, and yet the moments of greatest tension between us almost always stem from my reluctance to let her in.

She sees through me. She calls me out when I’m faking it. And I can say, without hesitation, the moments of greatest peace in my life have come when everything is on the table—both the good and the ugly.

There’s something about verbalizing my worries and being fully known by her that disarms them. And every time, her response is the same: “Let’s take it to God.”

When I reflect on Paul’s words to the Philippians, it all starts to click.

Anxiety robs us of peace. And as Phil Robertson once reminded me, “Peace of mind is the rarest commodity on earth.”
That truth hits hard—and it leads to the obvious question:

How do we actually find peace?

Here’s what I’ve discovered:
Peace doesn’t come from hiding or pretending. It doesn’t come from achievements or perfect appearances. Nor does it come from uninvestigated or unthoughtful justifications for not doing individual work. However, once we’ve got it out on the table peace of mind comes from full submission—laying everything at the feet of Christ, including our doubts, fears, and anxieties.

When we do that, the Holy Spirit shows up and goes to work in powerful, transformative ways. The peace that passes all understanding becomes more than just a verse—it becomes our reality. But it’s only found in a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you pretending everything is okay when it’s not?
  2. Who truly knows what you're struggling with right now?

So, to the brother reading this who battles anxiety, please hear me clearly:

You are not alone.
You are not weak.
And there is nothing to be ashamed of.

You were never meant to carry this weight by yourself. There is peace available—but it starts with honesty, prayer, and surrender.

Please drop the mask.
Talk to someone who loves you.
And most importantly—talk to the One who already knows you.

Let the peace of God guard your heart and mind today.

Thank You,

We hope you enjoyed this devotional. For more resources to help you become the leader God intends you to be, visit https://thelionwithin.us/i-am-just-a-guy.

Day 4

About this Plan

I’m Just a Guy: With Anxiety

Anxiety often hides behind phrases like “I’m fine,” but many men are silently overwhelmed—pressured to provide, perform, and pretend. This is an honest journey through the shared experience of losing control and longing for peace. With Scripture, stories, and practical insight, we invite you to trade fear of the future for faith in the One who holds it. If you’re battling anxious thoughts, tired of keeping it together, or simply weary from life’s storms, this is your reminder: peace isn’t found in pretending—it’s found in surrender to the God who sees and walks with you.

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