Worry in the Bible: Effective Ways to Deal with Anxiety

People are people regardless of where and when you find them. It’s tempting to think that life was much simpler in the “olden days,”, overlooking the fact that someone a few years from now will say the same thing about us here and now. Worry features in the Bible quite a bit, and it is a pressing concern for us in the 21st century, too. As we encounter worry in the Bible, we come face to face with ourselves and find ways to overcome our own anxieties.

Worry: A Pressing and Present Reality

At the core of it, there really is nothing new under the sun. Since time immemorial, people have worried about their lives, loved ones, and circumstances. Worry is a state of emotional and mental distress that’s usually the result of pondering on “What if?”. That one question can fill a person’s days and nights, making them lose sleep and even let life pass them by because they are consumed by what might come to pass.

Worry can be a pressing, present reality because our lives are filled with pressures and uncertainty. Our health or that of a loved one, financial struggles, job insecurity, tensions in relationships, whether we and the people we love will be safe, and general fears about the future are part of the menu of worry. We don’t have things under control as much as we’d want, and that desire for control can feed into worry.

When you worry, your mind and heart are drawn to focus on your circumstances, and often that becomes larger than God’s promises. Worry can draw you in, pulling your focus and attention from the moment you’re in. It’s not uncommon for worry to lead you to miss what’s right here and now as you concern yourself with what could be.

The Lord and Our Worries

A valuable and honest question to ask along the way is whether the Lord is aware of our daily anxieties. The words “Do not worry,” or “Do not be afraid,” which feature throughout Scripture, may come across as out of touch, or perhaps even as callous. How can I not worry, and how can I not be afraid when I might lose my home, or when my relationship is threatening to implode? It’s a good question.

The Lord is deeply aware of the struggles each of us faces daily. He knows the worries and cares that are weighing our hearts and minds down. Not only is He aware of these struggles, but He wants to help us carry them, and He wants to carry us through them. The words “Do not worry” or “Do not be afraid” are not unrealistic or harsh. Rather, they are an invitation into a different way of life.

The way of life that the Lord is inviting us into is one of deep trust in Him. In a long section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points to the lilies of the field and the birds of the air as reminders of the Lord’s faithful and generous provision for His creation (Matthew 6:25-34). God cares for His creation, and we’re invited to reflect on the patterns around us that demonstrate it.

While it can feel impossible not to worry in the seasons and moments of uncertainty or pain, the Lord’s invitation stands. He isn’t denying the reality of the potential or real hardships you’re facing; rather, He’s inviting you to trust that He cares for you, and He will provide for you.

The Impact of Worry

The cares of this life can choke our faith and progress on our journey with the Lord. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus indicates that we can hear the word of God, but its ability to flourish in us and bring forth fruit can be hindered by “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matthew 13:22, NIV). Worry can rob you of God’s best for you, and it can cloud your perception of God’s faithfulness and goodness.

Worry also affects us physically, emotionally, and mentally. When you worry, it can stress your body out. If this stress isn’t dealt with, it can result in a weakened immune system, which leaves you feeling more vulnerable to illness.

Worry can rob you of sleep and all the health benefits of getting good sleep, including the ability to better regulate your own emotions. Being worried can thus lead to being more irritable and short-tempered with others.

When worry affects you, it also impacts the people around you. The people who love you may become concerned about your well-being. If you’re irritable, that can push people away precisely at the point where you need others’ perspective on things.

The Lord wants us to live free of worry because He desires what’s best for us. He invites us to trust Him precisely because He knows the details of our lives (even better than we do!) (Matthew 10:30). Worry robs us of joy. It drains our energy that could be used in creative pursuits, and it burdens our hearts. Being free of worry and having peace reign in our hearts helps us to live the lives of freedom and love the Lord intends for us.

Worry in the Bible: Effective Ways to Work Through Worry

The Bible says a lot about worry, and there is a lot to learn from it. Yes, the context and circumstances of the original writers and hearers are different, but the human situation and condition are still the same. We worry because the future is unknown to us, and we worry because we want to be certain of our well-being, come what may. We are all human, and we all get caught up in worry.

“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

This famous passage was written by an apostle who was in prison for his faith. He didn’t write this while on holiday or from the safety of his study. The words hit different when you consider who’s writing them and when he did so. Paul is instructing believers to direct their anxieties or worries to God in prayer, with the promise that God will give them a peace that surpasses understanding.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus urges His disciples not to worry about drink, food, or clothing. That’s not because those things don’t matter, but because “your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6:32 ESV). The Father already knows your needs, and you don’t need to seek after them. Instead, seek a right relationship with God and others in the way of the kingdom.

We read in Mark 4:35-41 that during a trip over the lake, Jesus’ disciples woke Him up, panicking and concerned they would drown. As fishermen, they knew when conditions were rough, and their lives were in danger. And yet, Jesus says to them that they had no faith. They didn’t recognize the One in the boat with them. As powerful as it was, He stilled the storm around them with a word.

There are many other passages of Scripture that touch on different situations of worry or anxiety. There was Hannah, who was distressed about being childless, pouring her heart out to the Lord (1 Samuel 1). There’s David, who places his welfare in the Lord’s hands despite the overwhelming odds against him (1 Samuel 19-24). God’s people face difficult situations, sometimes gracefully, but at other times, are overwhelmed by their fears.

As you work through worry, there are a few things to consider that can help you:

Prayer and trust Scripture reminds us (Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 23) to turn our worries into prayers, trusting the Lord with ourselves and with the outcomes. This isn’t blind trust, but it’s putting trust in God, who has a track record of faithfulness throughout generations.

Reflect on Scripture The best way to know the Lord is through encountering Him in Scripture. It’s from Scripture that we see and read the many stories of God’s faithfulness, and it’s where we read the promises He makes to us. These promises strengthen our faith in those times when worry threatens to overwhelm us.

Seek community Worry can be overwhelming when you bear it alone. Other believers can help you gain a sense of perspective, and they can also encourage you and hold you up in prayer when you’re facing challenges (Galatians 6:2).

Be present Worry can direct your attention to the near or distant future. It is hard to do, but Jesus told His followers that each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34); we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be consumed by tomorrow’s concerns. Rather, be present and mindful.

Seek professional help When worry becomes chronic anxiety, which derails your days and ability to function, you can combine the help outlined above with counseling and other professional support. Your mental health may require that you talk with a counselor as well as take prescribed medication to reduce the symptoms of worry and anxiety. With help, you can respond well to worry.

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