Brain and the Bible. Part 4: The Anxious Mind – Understanding Stress and Fear

Psychologist Anna Ponnudurai explores what happens in the brain during anxiety and how prayer and trust in God can help restore peace.

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Registered psychologist Anna Ponnudurai says anxiety is not just an emotional experience, but also has a clear neurological foundation.

“The amygdala triggers our fight or flight response every time something comes at us, while the prefrontal cortex helps us reason things out,” she explained.

When anxious thoughts repeat, they begin to shape the brain.

“The more we dwell on anxious thoughts, the stronger those fear pathways become. But the brain works both ways. Repeated positive thoughts can also strengthen positive pathways.”

This is where faith and neuroscience intersect in a meaningful way.

Anna points to the Bible’s encouragement to trust God, especially when circumstances feel overwhelming.

“We can’t control everything, but we can trust in our Heavenly Father who does control it all and holds our future in His hands.”

She highlights Philippians 4:6–7 as a practical and spiritual response to anxiety.

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“Do not be anxious, but pray. When we pray with gratitude and focus on peace, we begin to rewire those thought patterns.”

This shift helps move attention away from fear and towards trust.

Anna also reflects on how frequently Scripture speaks to fear.

“‘Fear not’ appears 365 times in the Bible. For every day of the year, we are reminded not to live in fear.”

For those experiencing anxiety, the response can be simple but consistent.

“When we feel anxious or stressed, we pray. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have.”

Listen to the full interview in the player above.