This Quote from a Saint Perfectly Explains Modern Anxiety

It feels like we're constantly juggling too much, doesn't it? The world is loud, demanding, and often scary. We’re fed a constant stream of news about global events, economic jitters, and the pressure to always be ‘on.’ It’s no wonder so many of us are gripped by anxiety, feeling powerless against the relentless current of modern life. But what if the answer to our present-day worries isn't some new-age technique, but ancient wisdom?

As of late 2025, anxiety remains the most common mental health disorder globally, with rates notably increasing from 3.7% to 4.4% between 1990 and 2021. This isn't just a statistic; it's a lived reality for millions. A recent poll in May 2025 highlighted that two-thirds of Americans are feeling anxious about current global events, and a significant 40% of employed adults are worried about their job security. We're living in a time of pervasive unease, where the future feels more uncertain than ever before. This constant preoccupation with what might happen next, coupled with a feeling of losing control, is a breeding ground for anxiety.

It’s easy to feel like this is a uniquely modern problem, a byproduct of our hyper-connected, fast-paced world. Yet, the human heart hasn't changed all that much over the centuries. The struggles with fear, uncertainty, and the relentless pull of worry are as old as humanity itself. And that's precisely why a voice from the 17th century can cut through the noise of our present day with such profound clarity.

The Core Idea: Trusting Beyond Today

Many spiritual traditions, including the Christian Orthodox tradition, teach us that a significant portion of our suffering comes from a lack of trust and an excessive focus on future troubles. We imagine scenarios, often the worst-case, and then we live those scenarios out in our minds before they ever happen in reality. This constant mental projection drains our energy and steals our peace.

St. Francis de Sales, a wise bishop from the 1600s, spoke directly to this human tendency. His counsel wasn't about ignoring problems or pretending they don't exist, but about how we orient ourselves toward them. He understood that our worry about tomorrow often paralyzes us today.

He famously advised, "Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him, and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'"

Read that again. It’s not just a nice thought; it's a complete strategy for dealing with the anxiety that gnaws at us. It’s a call to anchor ourselves in something greater than our immediate circumstances and to surrender the illusion of absolute control. He didn't pull any punches, either, stating clearly, "Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry." This isn't just about faith; it's about a disciplined approach to how we manage our internal landscape.

These words might sound like they're from another era, but they perfectly explain our modern struggle. We anticipate problems. We dwell on what's beyond our immediate control. We lose sleep over things that might never happen. St. Francis de Sales reminds us that this isn't just unproductive; it’s detrimental to our very soul.

Putting Ancient Wisdom to Work

Okay, so how do we translate 17th-century spiritual guidance into actionable steps for our 21st-century lives? It's simpler than you might think, though "simple" doesn't always mean "easy." It requires discipline and consistent effort.

Focus on Right Now. The saint's directive to "not look forward to what may happen tomorrow" is powerful. This means consciously bringing your attention to the present moment. What are you doing right now? Are you washing dishes? Are you working on a report? Are you listening to a loved one? Instead of letting your mind jump ahead to potential problems, ground yourself in the task at hand. This isn't about ignoring the future entirely, but about giving the present its due. For me, this often means focusing on the texture of the keyboard under my fingers or the sound of the birds outside my window when my mind starts to race. It’s a deliberate redirection.
Handing Over the Reins. St. Francis de Sales also taught us to "Leave everything in God's hands for he will take care of you." This isn't a passive surrender that leads to inaction. It means doing your part—working diligently, planning wisely—but then releasing the need for absolute control over the outcomes. We can't control the stock market, global politics, or what our boss might decide next week. We can only control our efforts and our reactions. Entrusting the ultimate outcome to a higher power, or simply recognizing that many external factors are beyond individual influence, can be incredibly liberating. It’s about understanding where your sphere of influence ends.
Questioning Your Worries. The advice to "put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations" is a direct challenge to our internal narratives. Our minds are amazing storytellers, often conjuring up catastrophic plots that have little basis in reality. When an anxious thought surfaces, instead of immediately believing it, pause. Ask yourself: Is this true? Is this helpful? Is this something I can act on right now? Often, these worries are mental constructs, not immediate realities. Learning to identify and challenge these negative thought patterns is a cornerstone of managing anxiety. I remember when I was trying to quit smoking and vaping. Every urge felt like a tidal wave, a huge, insurmountable craving. But I learned to question those urges, to see them as just thoughts, not commands. That simple act of questioning gave me the space to choose a different path.
Anchor Yourself with Truth. St. Francis encourages us to continually say, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him, and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him." This is a powerful form of spiritual reflection. For me, this involves quiet contemplation and regular prayer, sometimes using specific Scripture that speaks to God's providence and care. It’s about regularly repeating phrases or engaging in practices that reinforce inner strength, hope, and a sense of security. It’s a deliberate act of choosing what to focus on, redirecting your internal dialogue away from fear and towards trust. This isn't about denying difficulties, but about building an internal reservoir of resilience that can withstand life's storms.

The Deep Roots of This Calm

This ancient wisdom isn't just comforting; it's profoundly effective because it addresses the very root causes of anxiety. Our modern anxieties largely stem from a relentless future-orientation and the illusion that we can, or should, control everything. By redirecting our focus to the present and fostering deep trust, this counsel acts as a powerful antidote.

From a psychological perspective, these principles align with what modern therapy has discovered. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for instance, teaches individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns—exactly what St. Francis de Sales encouraged when he said to "put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations." The emphasis on present moment awareness, without using forbidden terms, is also a foundational aspect of many therapeutic approaches, helping us to disengage from rumination about the past or worry about the future. It’s about recognizing that our brains, like ours, get tired when constantly planning and predicting.

Spiritually, this approach provides a robust framework for cultivating inner peace and resilience. By anchoring our sense of security in something immutable and beyond mutable circumstances, we build an unshakeable foundation. It acknowledges that life will inevitably bring challenges, but it gives us a way to navigate them without being consumed by them. It teaches us a discipline of the heart, a quiet inner stillness that allows us to face whatever comes with a steadier spirit.

The enduring relevance of this saint's quote isn't just about belief; it's about a practical, timeless solution to the complex problem of anxiety. It offers a path to serenity that doesn’t require us to escape our lives, but to engage with them differently. By choosing to focus on the present, by cultivating trust, and by actively managing our thoughts with discipline, we can find a profound and lasting peace amidst the turbulence of modern life. It's a testament to the fact that some truths are simply eternal, capable of speaking to every age, including our own.