What Does The Bible Say About Worry?
The Bible is full of reminders that God is faithful, and it teaches us to turn to Him in times of worry and doubt. Proverbs 12:25 says: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad”. This is just one of many verses that remind us worry and fear can rob us of joy and peace of mind, but that we can find comfort in trusting God.
The Bible speaks often about “fearing” God and having respect for His power and majesty. But when it comes to worry, the Bible clearly cautions against it. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus explains how worrying does not help us and does not demonstrate faith in Him. He tells us in that passage that we should instead seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and He will provide everything else we need.
The Bible also provides several examples of how people have overcome worry and instead turned to God. In 1 Chronicles 13:14, we learn that when the Israelites turned to God and trusted Him, He fought for them. David, in Psalm 37, encourages us to be still before the Lord, because He will lift up our heads and renew our strength.
These examples show us that, when we turn to God and trust in His promise to provide for our needs, He will be sure to fulfill His Word.
Why Is Worrying a Sin?
The Bible teaches us that God is a loving and faithful presence in our lives, and when we worry, we demonstrate an unwillingness to trust in Him. The sin of worry arises from our attempt to control things that are beyond our power and influence, which ultimately robs us of the ability to trust in God’s providence.
Romans 8:28 is just one reminder that God is always in control, no matter how difficult things may seem: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. This verse teaches us that, though we may experience hardship and pain, God is still in control andHe will work all things out for our good in the end.
When we worry, we neglect to remember that God is with us—even in our darkest moments. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. In other words, we can trust and turn to God in all scenarios, and He will provide us with the peace of mind and heart we need.
The Effects of Worrying
The Bible speaks to the consequences of worry, both physical and spiritual. Worrying often leads to feelings of helplessness, fear and discouragement. Physically, it can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, headaches and trouble sleeping, which can often cause further depletion of energy and strength.
On top of this, the act of worrying can prevent us from experiencing true joy and peace. Instead of trusting that God will provide, we instead focus on the negatives and rob ourselves of experiencing the fullness of what God provides.
Even more damning, worrying can prevent us from putting our full trust and faith in God. The Bible is full of commands to “fear not,” yet when we worry, we demonstrate a lack of trust in God and His promises.
Positive Ways To Counteract Worry
Fortunately, the Bible also provides several ways we can curtail our worry.
First, praying is an invaluable tool for overcoming worry. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” When we make our requests known to God, we can learn to trust that He will meet us in our moment of need.
Another tool is scripture. Psalms have served countless generations of believers in times of trouble and worry. In Psalm 34, David writes that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and he reminds us of the Lord’s tender mercies. This passage is just one reminder of the intimate love God has for us and how He stands ready to comfort His children.
Finally, meditating on scripture can bring us peace when faced with worry and anxiety. Psalm 94 is a beautiful passage that reminds us how the Lord is our refuge and our strength. Taking time to meditate on this passage has the power to bring us peace and solace.
How To Trust God In Times Of Worry
For Christians, trusting God is a fundamental part of faith. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. In times of worry and fear, it can be difficult to remember that God is in control and will provide for every need.
The Bible helps us to understand that while we may not always feel God’s presence, He is still near. In Deuteronomy 31:6, we read: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.” We can take comfort knowing that while we may not always feel God’s presence with us, His spirit is always with us, empowering us to be strong and courageous.
The Bible also teaches us to rely on our faith in God and His promises. In Hebrews 11:1, we are encouraged to “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” By trusting in God, we can be sure of His promises, even when things seem uncertain.
How To Avoid Worry
The Bible is clear that worry is a hindrance to our faith, but it also provides us with several practical tips to avoid it.
First and foremost, it’s important to commit any worries, fears and concerns to God. When our minds start to wander or we start to become overwhelmed, it can be helpful to remember that God is always there and He is listening. We can talk to Him and share our worries, because He promises to carry those burdens and be faithful to answer our petitions.
Another way to avoid worry is to practice thankfulness and gratitude. Whenever our minds start to wander to dark places, it can be helpful to remember all the blessings we have been given and to be thankful and grateful for those things.
Finally, it can be helpful to remember that life is short and to focus on the eternal. In James 4:14, we read: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” When our worry starts to overtake us, we can remember that this life is fleeting, but that eternity with God is ever-abiding.
Conclusion
Worrying can be detrimental to our spiritual and physical health, and the Bible teaches us that it is a sin. Fortunately, the Bible also gives us several practical tips to combat our worries in times of anxiety and distress. Most importantly, the Bible reminds us to always turn to our faithful Father in all things, and trust that He will provide for our needs, no matter how desperate the circumstances may seem.
