The Antidote to Anxiety: Finding Peace Through the Gospel

by José Portillo.

Anxiety is everywhere. It creeps into our work, our relationships, our nights of sleepless thinking. In Charlotte—as in every city—people are searching for peace. We look for it in stability, success, and control, but peace keeps slipping through our fingers.

At Vive Charlotte Church, we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ offers more than temporary relief. It offers an antidote—a lasting, spiritual cure that brings calm to the anxious heart and hope to the restless mind.

Anxiety Is a Human Condition

From the very first century, followers of Jesus struggled with fear and uncertainty. The Apostle Paul admitted, “I am anxious for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28), yet also taught, “Do not be anxious about anything… but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Anxiety is not new—but neither is God’s answer.

In our first Gospel Talk, we explored Luke 11, where Jesus gives us a threefold antidote to anxiety:

1. Persistent prayer that refuses to quit.

2. Radical trust in God’s fatherly goodness.

3. Confident reliance on Christ’s power—the Stronger Man who fights for us.

Persistent Prayer: The Courage to Knock

Jesus tells a story of a friend knocking at midnight, refusing to stop until the door opens (Luke 11:5–10). That’s a picture of prayer that will not give up.

Anxiety silences us; it tells us to hold everything in. But prayer is what breaks the silence.Prayer is the moment anxiety meets its match—when weakness calls on strength.

When you pray, you’re not changing God’s mind; you’re reminding your anxiety of who your God is.

Trusting the Father’s Heart

Jesus reminds us that God is not a distant stranger but a loving Father. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!” (Luke 11:13).

We often fear that God will hand us a stone when we ask for bread. But the gospel assures us His hand is open and kind. In moments of fear and worry, the Father doesn’t push us away—He draws us near with His presence.

Relying on the Stronger Man

Later in Luke 11, Jesus describes a “strong man” who guards his house until a stronger man comes and defeats him (Luke 11:21–22). Anxiety acts like that strong man—guarding our hearts with fear, whispering lies about our worth and our future.

But Jesus is the Stronger Man. He breaks into the fortress of fear and replaces panic with peace. You don’t fight anxiety alone. Prayer is your way of calling the stronger warrior into the ring.

A Safe Space to Find Hope in Charlotte

At Vive Charlotte, we believe the gospel creates not only peace with God but peace among people. Our Gospel Talks are safe spaces—monthly gatherings where anyone can come, ask honest questions, and hear how the good news of Jesus meets real struggles like anxiety, grief, or fear.

Whether you are skeptical, seeking, or simply weary, there is room for you here.

Join the Conversation

If you missed our first Gospel Talk: The Antidote to Anxiety, you can watch the full message now on our Vive Charlotte Church YouTube channel.

And if you live in the Charlotte area, we’d love for you to join us Sundays at 10:30am as we continue walking through the Gospel of John—a story of light breaking into the darkness, and peace silencing fear.

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