What Does The Bible Say About Anxiety?
As Christians, we turn to the Bible for guidance and comfort in dealing with anxiety. The Bible is full of wisdom for how to manage anxiety. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about anxiety and how we can find peace in the midst of it.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can range from mild to severe. It is a common human emotion and can be triggered by various stressors such as work, relationships, health concerns, or financial issues.
Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats or challenges, and it can be helpful in motivating us to take action. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or overwhelming, it can interfere with our daily lives.
What we want you to know is that in ANY situation, you are not alone. The heart of Share The Struggle is to show you how God can help you find rest in His mighty hand. We believe that you were created to flourish in the freedom made available by taking thoughts captive and yielding them to God. So, no matter what is the root of your anxiety, or however it presents in your mind, body or Spirit, ...there is hope!
Biblical Wisdom
As we discuss what the Bible has to say about anxiety, let’s first acknowledge what the Bible does not say. In today’s modern world, the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder is General Anxiety Disorder. When diagnosed with GAD, this means the anxiety you experience has become debilitating to your everyday functioning. When the Bible talks about anxiety, it is not contextualized by severity. It does not say that for extreme cases of anxiety, one should take medication. Or for lesser anxiety, one should just pray. The Bible talks about anxiety in general terms - as a common human emotion that we experience in response to life circumstances. So for the sake of this article, we too will just look at anxiety from a general perspective. There are different ways to approach anxiety based on the severity and backstory of your experience. Today we won’t be differentiating how to treat different levels of severity, but simply looking at foundational biblical wisdom for understanding anxiety.
We believe that the clinical perspective on anxiety is extremely valuable and can help us on our journey toward health and healing. But we ourselves are not clinicians, so we will discuss anxiety below from a Biblical perspective. We encourage you to seek professional help in addition to what you learn here.
Psalms
Psalm 94 says "when my anxious thoughts, multiply, your consolations cheer my soul." In other words, the call is not to experience your anxiety on your own, but to run to Christ Jesus in the midst of your anxiety.
Psalms 34:4 says "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." This verse reminds us that we are not to face anxiety alone but to turn to God who can help us overcome our fears.
Psalms 34:17-18 says "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This verse reassures us that God is always with us, even in our moments of anxiety and despair.
Proverbs
Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse encourages us to trust in God, and to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, knowing that He is in control and has a plan for our lives.
1 Peter
We hear Jesus imploring his followers: “come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The invitation is to present our anxiety to the Lord Jesus Christ who trades it for peace. 1 Peter: 56-57 says we are to “cast all your anxieties on Him, knowing he cares for us.” And when we do this, He trades our anxiety, through the bridge of our prayers, for His peace which surpasses understanding, according to Philippians 4.
Matthew 6
Moreover, Jesus devotes a large section of his most famous sermon to anxiety. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:35). In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that when we feel anxious, we should go outside and look at flowers and birds, and know that if our Heavenly Father feeds and takes care of them, and He loves us more than the flowers and the birds, He will take care of us as well. He goes on to say “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27), do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough its own trouble.
Philippians
Phillipians 4:6-7 says "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." This verse reminds us that we can find peace in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving and trust in God's plan for our lives. Let your requests be made known to God and he will provide you with a peace like no other.
And finally, Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” In other words, when we find ourselves trapped in anxious thoughts, we should choose to focus on the good and true things in our lives and in God.
Finding Peace in Jesus
The Bible offers us hope and comfort in dealing with anxiety. Jesus invites us to come to him with our burdens and anxieties, and he promises to give us rest. The beauty of having a relational God is His desire for us to share things with Him. The Bible never tells us to have anxious thoughts and to start spinning them in our minds. It says to recognize them (a task that takes some learning and practice) and then to leave those burdens at the feet of Jesus, surrendering sovereignty regarding the uncontrollable to the Prince of Peace.
It is also important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles with anxiety. The Bible is full of examples of people who faced impossible situations and fears, but God was always there to guide, protect, and bring them peace. We can find comfort in the fact that God is always with us, and God clothes us with calmness even in the midst of our anxious moments. So the call for the Christian is to not think “what if“, but to stay present with Jesus, and think about “what is”.
Christian Community
In addition to turning to God, we can also seek support and guidance from our Christian community. If there is one piece of Jesus’ ministry through the gospels that we can apply to our lives in regard to dealing with anxiety (or other mental health struggles), it’s that nothing is done alone. We are called into the community for the holistic support that doing life together with others brings. Sometimes just talking about our anxieties with others and receiving prayer can bring a sense of peace and comfort.
How Can Christians Get Help From Community?
In many churches, there are support groups specifically for those struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles, receive encouragement, and pray together. Often, churches have a host of counselors available to you.
Additionally, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor is not something to be ashamed of. The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom and counsel from others (Proverbs 15:22) and there is no shame in seeking help for our mental health. In fact, it is an important step towards finding healing and peace.
Get Help With Share The Struggle
Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.
We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.
Through our comprehensive range of services, including coaching, educational materials, and an empathetic community, we aim to destigmatize mental health within the Christian community and empower individuals towards healing and wholeness.
We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to navigate and overcome the struggles you face. We invite you to join us in the movement to bring mental health to the forefront of Christian conversations. Together, we can make a difference. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about how Share The Struggle can support you on your path to mental wellness!
Frequently Asked What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety Questions
Can I rely solely on prayer and faith to overcome anxiety?
It can be so easy to forget that mental health struggles, such as anxiety, are a natural part of being human. That said, it’s increasingly easy to forget this fact when we are experiencing the uncomfortable feelings, sensations and symptoms that accompany anxiety. However, if we can pause and link our challenges to Truth we are then able to see our circumstances through a new lens. A lens that brings the understanding that within this process of overcoming we are given an opportunity to accept the ultimate charge to be more like Him. Clearly, there is no one size fits all to overcoming human challenges. Yet, as image bearers of Christ, we are all similar and so is our desire for human connection. But, the uniqueness around our individual designs bring about different ways of processing, coping tools, and even severity with which we are impacted by a unique struggle.
When we remind ourselves of this truth and apply a more high level view of our earthly struggles, we see that our identity in Christ is the unifying theme of the BIGGER GOAL for overcoming struggles, and that individuality and unique design creates nuance to how I might go about something compared to another .
In short, faith and prayer are essential to getting after what God’s heart for us is as we work through our struggle -becoming more like Jesus-, but they don’t give us the practical tools for overcoming the struggle.
Here’s an example: A runner has faith and prayer for the outcome of their efforts on race day. Prior to, the runner needs technical training on how to be the best athlete for competition day. Prayer and faith are interwoven in the training process too, but we don’t show up on the day of the track meet without hours of practice and training.
Is it normal for Christians to feel anxious?
Absolutely. Christians are “set apart” (1 Peter 2:16) in that we are reflections of Christ in the world. Unfortunately for us, this distinction doesn’t signify a removal of the burdens that come with being human, simply that we are no longer defined by those burdens.
As such, feeling anxious doesn’t reflect a lack of faith but rather is a part of the human experience. The key is to bring these feelings to God, seek support within the Christian community, and take proactive steps towards managing anxiety with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How can I tell if my anxiety is severe enough to seek professional help?
If anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, routines, relationships, or work, it might be time to seek professional help. Signs to watch for include persistent worry that is difficult to control, physical symptoms like restlessness or trouble sleeping, and experiencing fear or anxiety that seems disproportionate to the situation.
Professional mental health practitioners can offer assessments and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
It can seem fairly corny to hear the constant refrain “remember, seeking help is a step of strength and should be viewed as part of a holistic approach to wellness”. In truth, if our perspective for wholeness and flourishing is that which brings us closer to God, and understanding/seeking out answers to better arm us against a struggle with anxiety (something that help us fulfill our charge to become more like Jesus), then it really is truth when we say it’s step of strength. The easiest thing is to allow yourself to be continuously burdened by anxiety. Stepping into freedom takes effort and agency, but it is so worth it.
How does participating in a Christian community help with anxiety?
Being part of a Christian community provides a support network of individuals who share a faith-based perspective on life’s challenges. This community can offer prayer support, understanding, and encouragement from those who may have experienced similar feelings or who can offer spiritual insights that align with your beliefs.
Additionally, many Christian communities provide or can direct you to resources and professional help specific to dealing with anxiety. The shared belief in a loving, caring God offers a unique comfort and hope for those struggling.
What kind of professional help is suitable for Christians suffering from anxiety?
For Christians, finding a professional who respects and understands their faith perspective can be crucial. Many therapists and counselors integrate Christian beliefs and practices into their therapy sessions for those who desire it.
These professionals can help bridge the gap between spiritual and mental health, providing an environment where faith is seen as a resource for healing. It’s important to research and possibly interview therapists to find one that suits your comfort level with integrating faith and psychology.
How can I incorporate my faith into my battle against anxiety on a daily basis?
Incorporating faith into the daily battle against anxiety can involve a combination of prayer, scripture reading, and participation in community worship and activities. Many find comfort and strength in meditating on specific Bible verses that address fear and anxiety, praying for peace and guidance throughout the day, and engaging in worship music that uplifts the spirit.
Additionally, sharing your struggles with trusted members of your faith community and seeking their prayers and support can reinforce your sense of not being alone in this battle. Building a routine that includes these practices can help ground you in your faith and provide daily strength against anxiety.
Conclusion
In light of the guidance and pathways outlined throughout this document, we encourage you to take the first courageous step towards transforming your struggles with anxiety into stories of hope and healing.
Visit Share The Struggle's website to explore our diverse resources, sign up for an upcoming online course, or connect with a coach who aligns with your faith and mental health needs. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
By reaching out for support, engaging with our community, and integrating your faith into every step, you can build a foundation for lasting peace and well-being. Take action today and allow us to accompany you on your path to recovery!