Being A Non-Anxious Presence in Anxious Times

As we come to the final reflection in this series, it’s important to name something honestly: fear is not only something we experience internally. It shapes our conversations, our reactions, our tone, and even the way we see one another.

We live in anxious times.

That anxiety shows up in many ways—harsh words, quick judgments, suspicion, withdrawal, and an exhausting cycle of reacting rather than reflecting. It is easy to absorb the anxiety around us without even realizing it.

Yet Scripture invites God’s people to live differently—not by denying reality, but by embodying a steadiness rooted in God’s presence.

A Different Way of Being Present

One of the most compelling witnesses of Christian faith is not found in arguments or certainty, but in presence. A calm, grounded, prayerful presence can become a quiet counter-witness in a fearful world.

The apostle Paul offers this familiar encouragement:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6–7, ESV)

Paul does not pretend anxiety will never arise. Instead, he points toward a practiced response—bringing our fears into God’s presence rather than allowing them to govern our behavior.

A non-anxious presence is not emotionally detached or indifferent. It is deeply engaged–yet anchored. It listens before reacting. It speaks with care. It resists the urge to mirror fear with fear.

Formed by Peace, Not Urgency

Jesus consistently modeled this way of being. Even in moments of urgency, conflict, and uncertainty, He moved with attentiveness rather than anxiety.

Before His arrest, Jesus told His disciples:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27, ESV)

The peace Jesus offers is not dependent on circumstances. It is a peace rooted in trust—trust in the Father’s presence, purposes, and faithfulness.

When we live from this peace, we become people who slow conversations rather than escalate them, who create space rather than demand agreement, and who bear witness to hope without needing to convince.

Practicing Non-Anxious Presence

Becoming a non-anxious presence is not something we achieve once and for all. It is practiced—often imperfectly—through small, faithful choices.

This might look like:

• pausing before responding, especially when emotions run high
• choosing curiosity over defensiveness
• limiting exposure to voices that intensify fear and outrage
• grounding ourselves in prayer before engaging difficult conversations

The goal is not to appear calm, but to remain connected—to God, to others, and to ourselves.

The psalmist captures this posture beautifully: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” (Ps. 62:1, ESV)

Silence, waiting, and trust form a soil where peace can take root—even in turbulent times.

A Faithful Witness

As we conclude this series, the invitation is not to conquer fear, but to live faithfully in its presence. When we do, our lives quietly testify to a different way of being—one shaped by trust rather than anxiety.

A non-anxious presence does not fix everything. But it does create space where God’s peace can be felt, God’s love can be seen, and fear no longer has the final word.

A Prayerful Invitation to Reflect

As you reflect this week, I invite you to sit with these questions gently and honestly:

1. Where do I notice anxiety shaping my reactions or interactions with others?

How might God be inviting me to respond differently?

2.  What situations or conversations tend to pull me out of a place of peace?

What practices help me remain grounded when this happens?

3. What would it look like for me to embody a non-anxious presence in one relationship or setting this week?

What small, faithful step might God be inviting me to take?

4. How has my understanding of fear and faith been shaped through this series?

What do I sense God inviting me to carry forward?

As you reflect, remember this: faithfulness is often most visible not in what we say, but in how we show up.

Walking Forward Together

Thank you for walking through this series with me. If you’ve joined partway through, you can find the earlier reflections in Facing Fear with Faith at richardparrish.org.

If this reflection resonates with you, you may wish to share it with someone who longs for steadiness in anxious times.

Sometimes a quiet word of hope can open space for God’s peace to be felt.

Grace and peace to you—as you continue to live faithfully, grounded in God’s presence, even when the world feels unsettled.

________________

You may wish to share this blog post with someone who is learning to practice faith while fear lingers. You can read the entire series, “A Year of Fear, or Faith?” at richardparrish.org. Just select the “Blog” tab.