How Christians Can Overcome Anxiety: Finding God's Peace After Trauma with Julie Rebboah
- Sarah Rybicki
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
By Sarah Rybicki | The Rybickulous Faith Podcast
Anxiety has become one of the most common struggles people face today, even within the church. Yet many Christians quietly carry anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and shame, believing they simply need to "have more faith."
In this episode of The Rybickulous Faith Podcast, I sat down with Julie Rebboah, MS, Christian Nervous System Coach and creator of Biblical Breathwork™, for an honest conversation about healing from childhood trauma, understanding God's design of the nervous system, and discovering the peace that Christ offers.
Julie's story is a powerful reminder that healing isn't about pretending we're okay, it's about allowing God to meet us in our deepest wounds.
When Childhood Trauma Shapes Your Life
Not every traumatic childhood looks the same.
For Julie, growing up in a home affected by severe mental illness created an environment where fear, uncertainty, and emotional instability became normal. Those experiences eventually led to anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and constantly living on high alert.
Many people don't even recognize they're carrying childhood trauma because it wasn't always physical abuse. Emotional neglect, unpredictable environments, chronic stress, and feeling unsafe can leave lasting marks on both the mind and body.
The encouraging news?
Your past doesn't have to define your future.
God specializes in redeeming broken stories.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." — 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
God Meets Us at Rock Bottom
Julie shared one of the most powerful moments of her testimony: at 21 years old, she found herself on her bedroom floor, overwhelmed, hopeless, and desperate.
It was there that she encountered the presence of the Holy Spirit in a way she had never experienced before.
That moment didn't instantly erase every struggle.
Instead, it became the beginning of a lifelong journey of healing.
Many of us wish healing happened overnight, but God often works through a process—one that draws us into a deeper relationship with Him while restoring every part of our lives.
Anxiety Isn't Your Identity
One of the most freeing moments in our conversation came when Julie explained that anxiety isn't who you are.
It's a signal.
Our nervous system was created by God to protect us. When we've experienced trauma, it can become stuck in survival mode, causing our bodies to react as though danger is always nearby—even when we're safe.
Understanding that changed everything.
Instead of asking,
"What's wrong with me?"
we can begin asking,
"What is my body trying to tell me?"
When we bring those questions before God, healing begins.
"Anxiety Asks, 'What If?' Peace Asks, 'What's True?'"
This simple statement may have been my favorite takeaway from the episode.
Anxiety constantly pulls us toward imagined futures.
What if something bad happens?
What if I fail?
What if I'm not enough?
God calls us back to truth.
His truth.
His promises.
His presence.
Rather than allowing fear to control our thoughts, Scripture teaches us to take every thought captive and replace lies with what God says is true.
Peace grows where truth takes root.
Scripture Changes More Than Our Minds
Julie explained that reading Scripture isn't merely gathering information.
It's transformation.
God's Word renews our minds, reshapes our thinking, and reminds us of our identity in Christ.
Sometimes reading a familiar passage in a different Bible translation can reveal truths we've overlooked before.
The goal isn't simply to know verses.
It's to know the Author.
What Is Biblical Breathwork™?
One of the most unique parts of our conversation was learning about Biblical Breathwork™.
Julie intentionally distinguishes her Christ-centered approach from secular breathwork practices.
Rather than focusing inward or seeking altered states of consciousness, Biblical Breathwork™ combines:
Intentional breathing
Scripture meditation
Worship
Prayer
God's presence
The goal isn't simply to relax.
The goal is to become more aware of the One who gives us every breath.
As our breathing slows, we're reminded that God is near—and His peace is available even in the middle of anxious moments.
Healing Starts with One Step
Perhaps the biggest encouragement from this conversation is this:
You don't have to have your entire healing journey figured out today.
You only have to take the next step.
Healing often begins with a simple prayer.
Opening your Bible.
Asking for help.
Joining a supportive Christian community.
Trusting Jesus one day at a time.
God isn't asking you to heal yourself.
He's inviting you to walk with Him.
Listen to the Full Conversation
If you've ever struggled with anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, or people-pleasing, this episode offers biblical hope, practical encouragement, and a reminder that God's peace is greater than your past.
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full episode of The Rybickulous Faith Podcast featuring Julie Rebboah, MS. at TheRybickulousFaithPodcast.riverside.com
Connect with Julie Rebboah
🌐 Website: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com
📷 Instagram: @biblicalbreathwork
About The Rybickulous Faith Podcast
The Rybickulous Faith Podcast shares honest conversations about real life, real faith, and the hope we find in Jesus Christ. Every episode features authentic testimonies, biblical encouragement, and practical wisdom to help you grow in your walk with God.
Real Stories. Real Faith. Rybickulous Hope.
Shalom, y'all. Keep sharing your Rybickulous faith.
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