When Anxiety Competes for Your Heart: Choosing the Good Portion

As a Christian, I believe in the complete authority of Scripture. So when God’s Word says, “Do not be anxious about anything…”, I know that God is both offering me freedom from fear and worry and commanding me not to carry the burden of stress on my own.

Yet I have noticed a tension within myself. While my mind can reasonably say, “Yes, God, I believe You and trust You in all things,” my physical symptoms of anxiety sometimes tell a different story. My racing thoughts and uneasy heart reveal that perhaps I am not trusting God as fully as I claim.

And if I am not truly trusting God, then I am not truly obeying Him either.

So how can Christians work through this sometimes daily battle with anxiety?

Martha’s (and My) Story (Luke 10:38–42)

Recently, I reread the well-known story of Mary and Martha. Martha invited Jesus into the home she shared with her sister Mary. Scripture tells us that Mary sat listening to Jesus’ teaching while Martha was distracted with the many tasks of serving and preparing the home.

Eventually, Martha’s frustration boiled over. She approached Jesus and asked Him to tell Mary to help her. Instead of correcting Mary, Jesus gently addressed Martha’s heart.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

When Good Things Become Distractions

Jesus gently exposed the burden Martha had placed on herself. She had become overwhelmed and frustrated, even directing her irritation toward her sister. Yet the solution was not more help in the kitchen—it was simply to stop and turn her attention to Jesus.

I find myself relating to Martha more than I would like to admit. Like her, I often see many things around me that seem urgent and necessary. Responsibilities pile up, expectations grow, and my mind begins to race with everything that must be done. In the process, I can become so focused on managing the situation that I miss what actually matters most to God.

Martha was trying to do what she believed was right. Serving others and preparing her home for guests were not sinful tasks. But her attention had shifted from the presence of Jesus to the pressure of her responsibilities. What began as service turned into distraction, and distraction quickly gave way to anxiety.

When Martha became consumed with her anxiety, it led to frustration and self-righteousness. She even assumed that Jesus should correct her sister rather than her own perspective.

But Jesus gently redirected her focus.

Mary had chosen the good portion.

The good portion was not the perfectly prepared home or the completed list of responsibilities. The good portion was Jesus Himself. Sitting at His feet, listening to His words, and enjoying His presence was what truly mattered.

And the same is true for us today.

The one thing that does not lead to anxiety is Jesus. Yet He is often the one we overlook when distractions begin to fill our lives.

You Have a Choice

In this passage, Jesus says that Mary chose the good portion. That word stands out to me.

I am naturally more prone to anxiety than some people—perhaps because of personality, life experiences, or even genetics. My mind often feels pulled toward worrying about what could go wrong or what I might not be able to control.

But even in those moments, I still have a choice.

I can choose to dwell on my fears, replaying them over and over in my mind, or I can choose to turn my attention to the One who is in control of every circumstance. I can choose the good portion.

Choosing Where to Fix Your Attention

Jesus speaks directly to this struggle in Matthew 6:25–34 when He reminds His listeners not to worry about their daily needs. Instead, He calls them to shift their focus:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When we place our attention first on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, our perspective begins to change. We remember that the God who created the world is also the God who faithfully provides for His children.

Our worries begin to lose their power when we remember who is truly in control.

The apostle Paul offers similar encouragement in Philippians:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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 4:4–7

Rather than carrying anxiety alone, God invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer. As we do, He promises something remarkable: His peace will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

How Will You Fight?

You, too, can choose to rest in the assurance of who God is and fight the battle of anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving. This fight is not always easy. For many believers, anxiety can feel like a daily struggle that resurfaces again and again.

But the good news is that you are not fighting alone.

You have a God who never gives up on you. He is not distant or unaware of your struggles. He sees your fears, knows your worries, and invites you to bring them to Him.

When you come to Him in prayer, He promises to provide what you need. He is the one who gives peace. He is the one who guards your heart and mind in Christ.

So don’t give up in the fight against anxiety. Keep returning to Him. Keep bringing your worries before Him. Keep choosing the good portion.

Because in Christ, you are already standing on the side of victory.

Today I choose the good portion.

Will you?

Reflect and Connect

1. What are you believing about God in moments when anxiety takes hold of your heart?

2. What spiritual practices could help you refocus on the peace of Jesus rather than your fears?

3. What additional support, if any, might you need as you continue to fight anxiety?