God’s View on Worry and Anxiety
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with worry and anxiety? It’s a feeling that can consume us, leaving us uncertain and fearful about the future. But what does the Bible say about worry and anxiety? The bible seriously frown on this type of meditation. Yes, worrying is a form of meditation but instead of focusing on the word of God, the mind is instead occupied with our problems and how big they are. As mentioned in previous articles, worrying is a reflection of our unbelief or uncertainty of the Omnipotence of our God. To pray and leave everything in the hands of God is our acknowledgement of His ability to do everything (Omnipotence). Omnipotence refers to the attribute of being all-powerful, having unlimited or absolute power. God create, control, and govern all things, and nothing is beyond His power or authority. Omnipotence is one of the central attributes of God, highlighting His supremacy and sovereignty over the universe. Scripture reminds us time and time again that we are not alone in our struggles. God is aware of our needs, and His Word offers encouragement and comfort for those times when anxiety grips our hearts.
Why Do We Worry?
Worry often stems from fear, uncertainty, and the desire to control situations that are beyond our reach. Whether it’s concerns about health, finances, relationships, or the future, we tend to lean on our understanding and forget the powerful promises of God. But the Bible encourages us to shift our focus from our problems to God’s sovereignty and provision. Jesus, in particular, speaks about worry in the Sermon on the Mount, reminding us to trust in God’s care.
What Does the Bible Say About Worry?
Throughout Scripture, we find verses that call us to cast our cares on God, to trust Him, and to seek His peace. Worry does nothing to change our circumstances, but trusting in God invites Him to work in our lives in miraculous ways. Let’s reflect on how God’s Word provides the foundation for overcoming anxiety.
Here are some powerful Bible verses to turn to when you’re feeling anxious or burdened by worry:
Bible Verses for Worry and Anxiety
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Hebrews 13:6
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’”
Psalm 27:1
“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?”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Isaiah 41:13
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Mark 5:36
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’”
Psalm 112:7
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalm 118:6
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Luke 12:25
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Practical Steps to Trust God in Worry
To combat worry, the Bible calls us to practical acts of faith and trust. We are to pray fervently, rest in God’s promises, and continually renew our minds by meditating on His Word. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm us, we can rely on these verses and remind ourselves that God is in control, and He cares deeply for us.
God’s promises give us hope. When we worry, we are invited to place our trust in Him. By focusing on His sovereignty, we can overcome fear and anxiety, knowing that God is with us in every circumstance.
In times of anxiety, God’s Word stands as a constant reminder that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. By casting our cares on Him and resting in His promises, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Let these verses be a source of comfort, strength, and encouragement as you continue to trust in God during times of worry and anxiety.