351: When You Love Jesus But Still Feel Anxious: Finding Peace in the Inner Chaos with Becky Keife

Anxiety: when does everyday worry cross into something that needs more attention? In this episode, I talk with Becky Keife about her personal journey with anxiety, what helped her recognize when she needed support, and how God met her in the middle of it.

You’ll learn how to tell the difference between situational worry and ongoing anxiety, why high-achieving women often struggle silently, and how simple daily practices can help turn anxiety into an invitation to connect more deeply with Jesus.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

[00:00] Why Anxiety Feels So Common Right Now

[04:00] How Becky’s Anxiety Showed Up in Her Body

[07:00] Why High-Achieving Women Often Hide Anxiety

[12:00] How Do You Know When Anxiety Needs More Attention?

[17:00] Why Shame Keeps Us From Getting Help

[18:00] Why a Daily Devotional Format Helps in Anxious Seasons

[20:00] What “Peace Practices” Actually Look Like in Real Life

[24:00] How Anxiety Can Become a Bridge to Jesus

[00:00] Why Anxiety Feels So Common Right Now

Anxiety has increased significantly since COVID, and many people never returned to their pre-pandemic baseline. When neurological patterns shift, and we don’t intentionally retrain them, anxious ways of interacting with the world can become our new normal.

That doesn’t automatically mean everyone has an anxiety disorder. But it does mean we’re living in a culture that is more anxious than it used to be, and we need tools for what to do with that reality.

[04:00] How Becky’s Anxiety Showed Up in Her Body

Becky explains that anxiety is very physical for her. It felt like a brick on her chest, an inability to take a full breath, buzzing in her body, and sadness that didn’t match her circumstances.

For a long time, she didn’t have language for what she was experiencing. She assumed it was PMS, grief, or simply the stress of raising small children. But eventually the symptoms became persistent and severe enough that she could no longer pretend she was okay.

That moment of honesty, admitting she was profoundly struggling, became the doorway to receiving help.

[07:00] Why High-Achieving Women Often Hide Anxiety

Becky describes herself as a high-capacity, high-achieving Enneagram Three. For years, she coped with anxiety by striving harder, managing better, and pushing through.

She believed that if she just worked harder, optimized her life more, or checked enough boxes, the anxiety would subside.

Instead, it created a cycle where productivity was placed on a pedestal, anxiety increased, and shame deepened when she couldn’t maintain the pace.

High-achieving women often look “fine” on the outside while suffering quietly on the inside.

[12:00] How Do You Know When Anxiety Needs More Attention?

Becky shares a simple litmus test: consider how persistent and how severe your symptoms are.

She compares anxiety to a rash. A small irritation may go away on its own. But if it spreads, worsens, or interferes with daily life, it’s time to see a doctor.

We often extend compassion quickly to others but hesitate to give ourselves the same care. Becky encourages asking, “If my best friend felt this way, what would I tell her to do?”

That question can reveal whether it’s time to seek support.

[17:00] Why Shame Keeps Us From Getting Help

Many women feel ashamed that they can’t fix anxiety on their own.

Becky reminds us that needing help doesn’t mean you’re a bad Christian or a weak person. It means something is off-kilter and deserves attention.

Mental health deserves the same care we give to physical health.

[18:00] Why a Daily Devotional Format Helps in Anxious Seasons

Becky shares why she wrote A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul as a 100-day devotional rather than a traditional book.

When anxiety is high, long chapters can feel overwhelming. A short daily entry offers a gentle, accessible on-ramp to Scripture, reflection, and connection with God.

The goal isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a daily engagement with God in the middle of anxiety.

[20:00] What “Peace Practices” Actually Look Like in Real Life

The devotional includes 14 peace practices that build week by week.

These practices include breathing, movement, journaling, crying, laughing, praying, giving thanks, serving, unplugging, getting outside, and engaging the senses.

They don’t cost money. They don’t require perfection. They create rhythms that position us to receive peace.

Small, consistent practices matter.

[24:00] How Anxiety Can Become a Bridge to Jesus

Becky shares that one of the greatest things she has learned through anxiety is how desperately she needs Jesus.

She has come to see anxiety as an invitation to tether herself to Christ, go at His pace, and stay in His presence.

Anything that reminds us of our need for God can become a gift.

Connect with Becky Keife on Instagram (@beckykeife), or check out her book A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

JOIN ME IN MARCH/APRIL FOR A 6-WEEK STUDY ON STRESS LESS:

If you’re exhausted from carrying situations that won’t change and feel stuck in stress loops you can’t seem to escape, join us for our next 6-week journey inside the Emotional Confidence Club: “Stress Less: A 6-Week Journey to Release Control + Make Peace with What Isn’t Changing.”

Let’s learn how to process the emotions underneath control, release what isn’t yours to carry, and experience peace, even when circumstances stay the same.

Go to AliciaMichelle.com/club to join the March/April study.