The Roots of Anxiety — Common Triggers

Section Introduction (Days 6–12): Anxiety does not appear out of thin air. It is often stirred by specific triggers in our lives. Fear of what is ahead, comparing ourselves to others, replaying the past, or listening to negative voices can all invite anxious feelings. In this section, we will look at some of the most common triggers of anxiety and how God’s Word teaches us to face them with faith.

Anxiety rarely shows up without a cause. Most of the time, it is triggered by something in our lives that feels uncertain, threatening, or out of our control. Triggers are the roots that feed anxious thoughts, and they can look different for each of us.

For some, it is the fear of the unknown, not being able to see how things will work out. For others, it may be comparison, constantly measuring themselves against someone else. Anxiety may also rise through overthinking, reliving trauma, listening to negative voices, or trying to manage big life changes.

The Israelites experienced this in Numbers 13. God promised them the land, but fear of the unknown and overthinking what they saw in Canaan paralyzed them. Instead of moving forward in faith, they froze in fear.

Over the next several days, we will look at these triggers one by one. The goal is not to pretend they do not exist, but to recognize them early, expose them to the truth of God’s Word, and refuse to let them take root.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize the roots of my anxiety. Show me where fear, comparison, or overthinking has taken hold. Give me the courage to face these triggers with Your truth and not my own strength.

Daily Challenge:
Read Numbers 13. Identify one thing in the passage that became a trigger for the Israelites’ anxiety. Write it down and reflect on how similar triggers may show up in your own life.