Living Free From Anxiety | Louie Giglio

Putting an X Through Anxiety with the Good Shepherd

Scripture References

• Psalm 23
• Psalm 16:8
• Isaiah 25:1

Overview

Louie Giglio testifies that the same Jesus who carried him out of a crippling season of depression wants to free every listener from the grip of fear and anxiety. The solution is not first a “how-to” plan but a living “Who” — the Good Shepherd who protects with His rod and guides with His staff. By learning to see Him clearly, set Him before us, say who He is, and sing His praise, we exchange obsessive worry for confident trust.

Context

• Since 2012, studies show a massive spike in self-harm, fear, and depression, coinciding with social-media saturation.
• Louie recounts falling unexpectedly into a deep, months-long depression where leaving the house felt impossible.
• If God could bring him from that pit to preaching again, He can bring anyone through.

Main Points

You’re Not Crazy, and You’re Going to Get Through

• First lies of the pit: “I’m losing my mind” and “I’ll never be free.”
• God’s promise: you may feel crazy, but you are not; He will lead you out.

It’s Not a How, It’s a Who

“It’s not a how, it’s a Who.”

• Practical helps (diet, exercise, counseling, breathing) matter, but they rest on the presence of the Shepherd.
• Psalm 23 moves from wall art to gritty promise when we meet the real Shepherd, not the soft portrait.
• His staff guides; His rod defends. Jesus is fierce in protection.

• Story: Louie kept a broken hockey stick as a “rod” to chase off prowlers and rats, illustrating Jesus’ readiness to defend His people.

Four Words That Shift Anxiety

1. See

• View Jesus as He really is: powerful protector with rod and staff, not a fragile figure.
• Remember: Yahweh has your back, not merely a well-meaning friend.

2. Set

• “I have set the Lord continually before me…” (Psalm 16:8).
• Replacing fixation on the threat with fixation on the Shepherd lowers internal alarms.

• Illustration: Childhood bully blocked Louie’s path until Louie’s father stepped onto the patio; presence changed everything.

3. Say

“Lord, You are my God.” (Isaiah 25:1)

• Five-word confession anchors the soul even when feelings lag.
• Speak truth aloud; words begin writing a new internal narrative.

4. Sing

• God gives “songs in the night” (Job allusion).

• Story: At 2 a.m., Louie received a simple melody — “Be still my soul, there is a Healer…” — and sang until morning.

• Worship punches holes in the darkness; worry and worship cannot share the same mouth.

Key Truths

• The age is anxious, but Jesus is greater than whatever makes us afraid.
• Anxiety is often a symptom of misplaced focus; set Jesus, not fear, on the heart’s pedestal.
• The Shepherd’s rod means active protection, not passive comfort.
• Confession and praise are weapons that reset the brain and heart over time.
• Worship displaces worry; playlist ready-at-hand is practical spiritual warfare.

Response

• Fix your eyes on Jesus every time anxious thoughts surface.
• Verbally declare, “Lord, You are my God,” throughout the day.
• Curate and play worship songs, especially during nighttime anxiety spikes.
• Seek wise medical or counseling help without shame, trusting God to guide the process.
• Share your struggle honestly with trusted believers so they can stand with you.

Closing

Anxiety shouts that doom and dread follow us, yet Psalm 23 reveals Someone else behind us: goodness and mercy. Today Jesus invites us to trade fixation on fear for faith in the Shepherd who has already conquered every enemy. Reach back, put your cares in His hands, and walk forward knowing His rod and His staff are enough.

Prayer

(The congregation prayed corporately.)

• Cast every specific anxiety onto God, trusting His goodness and nearness.
• Asked the “great Physician” for healing of souls and wisdom to pursue professional help where needed.
• New believers surrendered: “Heavenly Father, forgive all my sins… Jesus, be my Shepherd… I give my life, my burdens, my future to You.”

Resources

• Book: “Putting an X Through Anxiety” by Louie Giglio