Anxiety: What the Bible Says
The Bible has many teachings about anxiety, insecurity, and fear. It tells us that God has given us everything we need to combat these worries and points out the importance of trusting in Him. The Bible even provides a straightforward definition of anxiety, defined as “a care that weighs us down.” The scriptures encourage us to focus our attention on God and to approach Him with unshakable faith and assurance.
The Bible primarily teaches that we should fear God, not the things of this world and the worries we tend to encumber ourselves with. As Deuteronomy 10:12 says: “What does the LORD your God require of you? To fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Psalm 27:1 explains, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” This verse suggests that if God is our stronghold, there is really no need for anxiety. As Psalm 34:4 states: “I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
We can turn all of our worries over to God, as scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We can take comfort in knowing that God can handle our anxieties and that, in the end, He alone is capable of helping us find rest.
God’s Help
In the book of Isaiah, God promises that He will provide us with rest: “He will provide rest for you who are weary and for your sorrowing ones.” (Isaiah 66:13). We are reminded in Romans 8:26-27 that God always has us in mind. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Not only can we turn our worries over to God, He graciously provides us with His spirit to help us in our time of need.
Prayer and Christian Living
The Bible also teaches us to pray in all situations. As scriptures tell us in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When we believe in God’s power and pray to Him, He listens and acts in the best way possible. Additionally, the Bible encourages us to practice living in a godly way. In Philippians 4:8, Paul stresses that if we “fix” our minds on good things we will experience joy: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Depend on God
Therefore, the Bible teaches us that in the face of worries and anxieties, we must find our strength and refuge in God. He alone can comfort us and give us a sense of peace. And with Him, we can take heart, knowing that He always has our best interests at heart. “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” – Psalm 9:9
Look to God Whenever Your Anxiety Finds You
When anxiety strikes, we must remind ourselves to surrender everything to God. He sees, He understands, and He knows all that we need before we even ask for it. Come to Him, humble yourself before Him and call out for His mercy. He will respond and come to your aid. Whatever the worries and anxieties that we may have, it is best to surrender them all to Him and take strength in His promise in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound judgment.”
Accept Our Anxiety and Worship God
The Bible teaches us that although anxiety is a normal part of life, we should lean in to the promises of God and accept our worries with humility. Worship Him and be thankful that He is always mindful of us. Take joy in the fact that we can always depend on Him and find solace that His plans for us are greater than anything anxiety can throw our way. As Isaiah 41:10-13 reminds us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Look to the Heavens for Strength
The Bible also encourages us to keep looking to God no matter what our worries may be. Isaiah 51:3 tells us, “For the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.” It is by keeping our eyes fixed on Him that we will be given the power to bear any situation joyfully and with zeal.
Know That All Things Work Together for the Good
Romans 8:28 says: “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 is a promise from God that He is with us and that His plans for our future will bring us joy and peace. It reminds us that He is in control and that his vision and plan for our lives are good.
Live Life in Faith
Finally, the Bible teaches that life is a journey of faith and as we try our best to honor God and His Word, He will lead us forward. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Following our faith means that we must trust in Him implicitly and follow His commands, giving our worries to Him and allowing Him to guide us.
