Fearing Sensations: When the Body Feels Unsafe, But God Is Faithful
Anxiety often shows up in very specific ways, tied closely to the body. Some people experience intense fear of choking, difficulty breathing, or sudden physical urges—like needing to urinate urgently even when the bladder isn’t full.
These are just three of many bodily sensations that can feel confusing, exhausting, and isolating.
The truth is, your body is not in danger.
Ever since the Fall, fear has been a part of human experience, woven into our hearts as a consequence of sin (Genesis 3:10).
Fear warns us of perceived danger, even when none exists. Panic is an intensification of that warning, showing itself in a racing heart, tight chest, or other urgent impulses. Yet God promises His presence to calm the anxious heart (Psalm 34:4).
Understanding this distinction is key to responding with godly wisdom and faith.
Elsa’s Story
Elsa loves her family, but mealtimes are stressful. She fears choking on her food. Each bite feels risky. She chews excessively, sometimes avoiding meals with loved ones, even those she cherishes most.
Her doctors confirm that her body is healthy. She faces no real danger. Yet her anxiety transforms ordinary acts—swallowing, sitting at the table, even going to a restaurant—into sources of dread:
What if I choke?
What if I can’t breathe?
What if my body suddenly makes me feel like I need to go urgently while I’m away from home?
These bodily sensations are real, but harmless. The sympathetic nervous system—the body’s “fight or flight” response—can increase muscle tension in the throat, chest, and gut, and heighten sensations in the bladder, creating feelings of tightness or urgency.
God sees these struggles and is present in the midst of them, offering calm and reassurance (Psalm 46:1).
Understanding Fear
Fear is a normal human response, alerting us to perceived danger. It is not a mark of sin, for sin is a turning away from God.
Instead, fear can serve as an invitation — to lean into Christ, to bring our anxieties before Him in prayer, and to respond with faith and obedience, trusting that He is faithful to sustain us (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 56:3).
Isaiah 41:10 encourages: “Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will help you.”
Romans 8:1 reminds us: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
When fear arises, we are invited to respond with faith, not self-condemnation. Read the Big 7 Scariest Panic Symptoms.
How Common Are These Fears?
Fear of bodily sensations—like choking, breathlessness, or sudden internal urges—is more common than many realize. Research on panic attacks, which involve intense fear of these sensations, shows that a substantial minority of adults experience at least one panic attack in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2006).
The takeaway: you are not alone.
These fears are experienced by many and can be addressed with practical, faith-filled strategies.
1. Fear of Breathlessness
Panic often manifests as chest tightness or shortness of breath. The mind races: I won’t get enough air.
Why it happens: Anxiety triggers rapid, shallow breathing. The body misinterprets the signal as danger, amplifying panic.
Faith-filled response:
Slow, deliberate breathing. Exhale first, then inhale.
Speak truth to body and heart:
My body is safe.
I am still breathing.
God is with me (Philippians 4:6–7).
Reflection: Can you pause and let your breath remind you of God’s presence, even when fear spikes?
2. Fear of Sudden Urgency
Some feel sudden urges, like needing to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.
Why it happens: Stress signals the nervous system, heightening bladder awareness and creating an urgent sensation.
Faith-filled response:
Name the sensation: This is anxiety in my body, not danger.
Speak truth:
This feeling is temporary.
My body is functioning normally.
God is present with me (Isaiah 41:10).
Reflection: Can you observe the sensation without reacting impulsively? Watching without controlling teaches the body what is true.
3. Fear of Choking
Fear of choking is common. Anxiety can increase muscle tension in the throat, making ordinary swallowing feel threatening. Avoidance behaviors— such as skipping meals or eating alone—reinforce the fear.
A helpful response: Take small steps. Chew slowly. Take sips of water. Reassure yourself:
I am safe.
My body knows how to swallow.
God is my safe place. (Psalm 91:2)
Over time, your body and mind learn that these sensations are not dangerous.
Reflection: What is one small step you could take at your next meal to dislodge the fear of choking?
Biblical Perspective
Many fears are not about immediate danger—they are fears of what might happen. Scripture speaks to this reality:
Psalm 91:5
“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…”
Even imagined dangers—attacks, disasters, disease—can feel real. God calls us to trust Him, rather than be paralyzed by “what ifs.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you…”
1 Peter 3:6
“…you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.”
Sarah in the Old Testament faced real uncertainties—barrenness, living in a foreign land—but did not allow fear to dictate her actions. Likewise, fear will arise for you and me, but it need not rule us. Jesus is Lord. (Phil. 2:11)
By observing fear without judgment, recognizing when it is imagined, and resting in God’s truth, you can respond calmly and faithfully to scary body sensations.
Facing Fear with the 5R Method
Elsa’s story shows how faith and practical strategies work together. The 5R Method offers a roadmap:
RECOGNIZE – Notice the fear without alarm. (I know this is difficult. You’ll get better at it as you practice.) Name it: “This is anxiety in my body.”
REJECT – Refuse the lies: “I am in danger” or “Something is wrong with me.” Reject avoidance behaviors.
REPLACE – Redirect attention: Scripture, prayer, or simple, deliberate action like exercising or doing chores. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” Col. 3:2.
REHEARSE – Practice noticing, rejecting, and replacing. Repetition builds confidence that fear does not define you. “Practice these things,” Phil. 4:9.
REJOICE – Celebrate courage. Thank God for His presence, peace, and strength.
Moving Forward
Fear of bodily sensations can feel overwhelming—but it is also an invitation: to depend on God and grow in courage.
For personal guidance, you can schedule a complimentary consult with me. Here is my scheduling link. Together, we can take the next step toward peace in Christ.