What Does the Bible Teach Us About Anxiety? The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” They add, “Anxiety is not the same as fear, but they are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is considered a long-acting, future-focused response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-focused, and short-term response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat.”
Recent data also shows that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults or 19.1% of the population. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder in the United States, affecting 6.8 million adults.
The animated film “Inside Out 2,” released this summer, focused much of its story on the character representing the emotion of anxiety, showing its impact on the next generation and offering some beautiful spiritual lessons for reflection. However, anxiety is not a new feeling. Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with stories of people who felt anxious, including the prophet Daniel, Martha the sister of Mary, the disciples, and many others.
Given that many adults and teenagers throughout history have been affected by tension, worry, and anxious thoughts, it is not surprising that the Bible has much to say about this feeling. If we search the Word of God, we will find powerful spiritual wisdom on what we can do when experiencing anxiety, what God can do, and the truths we should hold on to during times of anxiety. Here are eight Bible verses about anxiety. Read them, internalize them, and even use them as part of your prayers in times of worry.
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Isaiah 35:4 (Bible)
God is with you and has everything that you are worried and anxious about in His hands. Even diagnosed anxiety is in the secure hands of our faithful Father, who walks with us as we take steps towards healing.
“Say to those with anxious hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.’” – Isaiah 35:4
In this part of the Bible, God’s people were suffering under oppressive tyranny, and the prophet Isaiah reminded them to trust in God for salvation. Similarly, in our times of anxiety—no matter how big or small—we can trust that God is mighty to save.(Bible)
Jeremiah 17:8
Those who trust in God can live securely and without fear.
“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:8
This biblical description applies to those so deeply rooted in God that even when fears come true, they remain flourishing and fearless.(Bible)
Matthew 6:25-31
God will take care of your needs just as He takes care of all His creations.
“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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” – Matthew 6:25-31
Jesus reminds us that there is no reason to worry—not about food, material needs, or desires—because God cares for all His creations and certainly will take care of us too. Jesus wisely reminds us that worrying does not help—worrying about something does not solve it. Instead, we can find peace in God.(Bible)
Matthew 6:34
There are enough worries for today; do not let your imagination make you anxious about things that have not happened yet or may never happen.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Continuing his previous teachings (see number three), Jesus, in one of his most famous sermons, reminds his followers that there are enough real-life worries without adding imaginary or unnecessary anxieties.(Bible)
