3 Things I Learned When Attacking Anxiety | Shawn Johnson

Attacking Anxiety: Fight Back in God’s Strength

Scripture References

• Romans 15
• 2 Timothy 4:7
• John 10:10

Overview

Anxiety and depression may feel inescapable, yet God’s plan is joy, peace, and overflowing hope. Pastor Sean unpacks his own battle with crippling panic attacks to show that, in Christ, we are not helpless victims. With a God-given “fighter spirit,” we can push back against mental darkness, wage the necessary spiritual war, and enter God’s presence where lasting freedom begins.

Context

• The CDC reports that over half of Americans will face mental illness; anxiety and depression top the list.
• Sean phoned Pastor Craig in 2019 from a seven-week inpatient facility, admitting years of hidden turmoil despite being a pastor.
• His journey—hundreds of counseling hours, therapy, and prayer—birthed the book “Attacking Anxiety,” and this message offers its opening lessons.

Main Points

1. We Can Fight Back

• Satan’s lie: “I’m stuck this way.” God says we can stand and resist.
• Story: A pastor friend grabbed Sean’s gaze during a panic attack and said, “You’re a fighter. Stop blaming yourself and start fighting back.”
• Scripture shows God often gives territory but expects us to battle to possess it (Joshua’s 31 battles; Paul’s “good fight”).

• “You have a fighter spirit hard-wired inside of you by the Creator of the universe.”

• Feeling exhausted does not disqualify us; the fight relies on God’s power, not ours.

2. The Battle Is Spiritual

• Anxiety is real and multi-layered, but there is also an enemy who “steals, kills, and destroys” (John 10:10).
• Counselor’s warning: trying to escape anxiety solely by human effort is like digging deeper in a hole—recognize the unseen war.
• Distinction between God-given “facilitating anxiety” (healthy alertness) and Satan-twisted “debilitating anxiety.”
• Practical help—therapy, medication, trauma work—is necessary, yet incomplete without spiritual armor (Ephesians 6 quoted but not cited).

3. Victory Starts in the Presence of God

• Overwhelmed, Sean asked, “Where do I even start?” Mentor’s assignment: 30 minutes daily in a prayer room with worship playing loud enough to pray at the same volume.
  • Day 1–3: Sean could only sit, weep, or whisper “Jesus, help.”
  • Day 4–7: began softly declaring worship lyrics—“I will see a victory.”
  • End of two weeks: shouting promises, daily panic attacks gone.
• Illustration: Dad-and-the-bully story. Sean’s father confronted the neighborhood bully’s dad; all Sean had to do was “get in the car.” Likewise, God fights for us when we show up.
• Seven promised gifts of God’s presence (shared on-screen): peace, joy, rest, confidence, guidance, protection, power.

Key Truths

• God intends believers to overflow with hope, not merely survive.
• A fighter spirit is already inside every child of God—activate it.
• The thief targets our minds, but Christ offers abundant life.
• Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons; human effort alone falls short.
• Sustained time in worship and prayer is the doorway to peace and freedom.

Response

• Reject the lie of permanent bondage—name yourself a fighter.
• Enter God’s presence daily; play worship, pray aloud, speak His promises.
• Seek comprehensive help: counseling, medical care, trusted community.
• Stand against the enemy’s schemes; declare Scripture over your mind.
• Lock arms with the church—treat gatherings as a hospital, not a courtroom.

Closing

Pastor Craig joined to reinforce the call: bring every care to God, pursue professional help when needed, and lean on spiritual family. He invited those burdened by anxiety to raise hands for prayer and led seekers to surrender to Jesus for ultimate freedom.

“We don’t just fall victim to the enemy’s attacks; by the power of the risen Christ, we attack back.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig prayed for all carrying anxiety, asking God to grant healing, joy, and peace, and led a salvation prayer for those choosing to follow Christ.