The Surprising Truth About Anxiety and Time

The Surprising Truth About Anxiety and Time

Anxiety often feels like a battle against time. We worry about the future, regret the past, and struggle to control what’s happening right now. But what if time itself isn’t the foundation of reality?

Dionysius the Areopagite wrote, “God is the reality beneath time and the eternity of being.” That means God isn’t bound by time—He holds past, present, and future together in His perfect will.

For Christian professionals juggling deadlines, responsibilities, and personal struggles, this truth can bring deep peace.

Science Shows Our Perception of Time Fuels Anxiety

Neuroscientists have found that anxiety is tied to the brain’s default mode network, the system that constantly replays past mistakes and worries about what’s ahead. When we get stuck in this cycle, we feel overwhelmed and out of control.

But studies also show that mindfulness and prayer can quiet this anxious loop, helping people feel more grounded in the present. This aligns with scripture’s wisdom:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

God’s reality is deeper than our schedules, stress, and fears. When we stop grasping at control, we open ourselves to the peace He freely gives.

Living in God’s Timeless Reality

Here’s how to apply this in daily life:

1. Start the day with gratitude. Before checking emails, take a moment to thank God for simply being present with you.

2. Pray when stress rises. Instead of rushing to fix everything, pause and say, “Lord, You are here.”

3. Trust in God's timing. When things feel urgent, remember that His plan unfolds beyond what we can see.

Rest in the Eternal Now

Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34) Anxiety tries to trap us in time, but God invites us into His eternal peace. The next time stress creeps in, remember: you are already held by the One who is beyond time.