Biblical Answer

The Biblical Perspective on Anxiety

God allows anxiety in our lives because He desires us to trust Him above all else. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us not to be anxious about our lives, but to trust in God's ability to provide for us. Anxiety arises when we focus on our circumstances and forget the promises of God. We are not to be consumed by worry, but rather, we are to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

The Bible teaches us that anxiety is not a sign of lack of faith, but rather, it is an opportunity for us to trust God more deeply. In Luke 12:22-23, Jesus says, "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?" Jesus is not saying that we should not be concerned about our physical needs, but rather, He is saying that we should not be consumed by worry. We are to trust in God's ability to provide for us, and to rest in His peace.

The Bible also teaches us that anxiety can be a result of a lack of faith in God's goodness. In Psalm 38:18, the psalmist says, "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin." The psalmist is experiencing anxiety because of his guilt and sin. He is unable to extricate himself from the fear of God, and is consumed by anxiety. This is a reminder that anxiety can be a result of our sin and lack of faith, and that we need to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty to overcome it. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus is offering us rest and peace, and inviting us to trust in Him above all else.