Bad Fruit: Anxiety
Anxiety is not simply “being stressed.” It’s the chronic hum of fear underneath life — the sense that if you don’t hold everything together, it will all collapse.
It feels responsible, but it is rooted in the lie that God cannot be trusted with the details of your life.
The Lie Vine
Lie: “I am only safe if I am in control.”
If I don’t plan for every outcome, disaster will strike.”
“God may love me, but He won’t protect me.”
“My worth is in solving problems before they happen.
The Counterfeit Tree: Control-Driven Identity
Anatomy of this tree
Walk through the core parts of this tree, following the fruit - what you are seeing - to the root lie. Expand each section for a short explanation and reflection prompts.
Fruit — Visible outcomes
- Worry
- Restlessness
- Tight relationships
- Exhaustion
Leaves — Everyday actions
- Endless to-do lists
- Checking and re-checking
- Insomnia
Branches — Reinforcing patterns
- Overthinking
- Hyper-vigilance
- Perfectionism
Trunk — False belief
Control becomes safety
Root — Core lie
God won’t take care of me unless I manage it.
Invitation
You were not made to live with anxiety as the hum beneath your life. There is another tree — one rooted not in your control, but in God’s care.
Step into the Trust Tree
See how trusting God’s faithfulness bears fruit in peace and freedom.
See the Good TreeThe True Tree: Trust-Based Identity
Anxiety thrives on control. Trust thrives on surrender.
When your root is God’s faithfulness, not your vigilance, the fruit is peace.
“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.”
Anatomy of this tree
Walk through the core parts of this tree, starting with the root of truth and tracing it to the fruit it produces. Expand each section for reflection prompts and Scripture to anchor the truth.
Root — Core biblical truth
God is faithful and provides what I need.
Trunk — Foundational belief
Trust becomes security
Branches — Reinforcing patterns
- Surrender
- Patience
- Prayerful action
Leaves — Everyday actions
- Breathing prayers
- Choosing rest
- Encouraging others
Fruit — Visible outcomes
- Peace
- Calm presence
- Confidence in God
- Joy
New Fruit
| Old Fruit | New Fruit |
|---|---|
| Worry | Peace |
| Overthinking | Calm presence |
| Fear | Confidence in God |
| Exhaustion | Joy |