Anxiety: The Devil’s Battlefield

By John C. Preiss

Anxiety is a powerful force—one that often feels like a relentless battle within the mind and heart. For many Catholics, this struggle is not just psychological or emotional, but deeply spiritual. The Church has long recognized that anxiety, discouragement, and spiritual desolation are among the devil’s most effective weapons. In my own life, I’ve come to see anxiety as the devil’s battlefield, a place where he seeks to sow confusion and fear. Yet, through my Catholic faith and by focusing on Jesus, I have found real hope and strength to overcome it.

Anxiety: The Devil’s Tactic

Catholic teaching and spiritual tradition are clear: the devil’s greatest desire is to separate us from God and to drag us down into despair. St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose rules for discernment have guided countless souls, teaches that the evil one uses anxiety, discouragement, and confusion to tempt us away from trust in God. When I am anxious, I recognize that it is not just a personal weakness, but a spiritual attack—a tactic meant to distract me from God’s love and mercy.

St. John Chrysostom reminds us that being tempted by the devil means we are more powerful than we realize, because of Christ. The devil tries to exploit our vulnerabilities, hoping to make us forget our dignity as children of God. In those moments, he wants us to focus on our fears and inadequacies, rather than on the victory Christ has already won for us.

Taking Thoughts Captive

St. Paul instructs us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Catholic writers and saints have echoed this wisdom, urging us to examine the origin of our thoughts and feelings. St. Ignatius encourages us to be aware of what’s happening inside us, to discern whether our thoughts come from God or from the enemy, and to act accordingly—casting out those that lead to anxiety and darkness.

When anxiety strikes, I try to pause and ask: Is this thought leading me closer to Christ, or further away? If it is sowing doubt, fear, or hopelessness, I recognize it as a temptation and bring it to Jesus in prayer.

Focusing on Jesus

The most effective way I have found to combat anxiety is to focus on Jesus. When I fix my gaze on Him—through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture—I am reminded of His love and power. The Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and simply sitting quietly before a crucifix all help me to shift my attention from my worries to the One who holds all things in His hands.

Jesus Himself tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me” (John 14:1). These words are not just a gentle suggestion, but a command rooted in love. When I choose to trust, even in the midst of anxiety, I am claiming the victory Christ has won over the devil’s lies.

The Power of the Sacraments and Community

The sacraments are powerful weapons in this spiritual battle. Confession brings healing and breaks the chains of guilt and fear, while the Eucharist strengthens me with the very presence of Christ. Sharing my struggles with a spiritual director or trusted friend also brings light into the darkness, reminding me that I am not alone in this fight.

God’s Mercy Always Prevails

Even when I fall into anxiety or discouragement, my faith teaches me to turn back to God’s mercy. The devil may try to use my weaknesses against me, but God’s love is always greater. Each time I return to Jesus, I am reminded that the battle belongs to Him—and He has already overcome the world.

In this ongoing struggle, my Catholic faith is both shield and sword. By focusing on Jesus and relying on the grace of the sacraments, I can stand firm on the battlefield of anxiety, confident that Christ’s love will always prevail.