Biblical Answer

Dealing with Anxiety in the Bible

Anxiety is a common experience for many people, and the Bible has much to say about it. In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches his followers not to be anxious about their physical needs, such as food and clothing (Matt. 6:25-34). He says that God will supply these needs if they make obedient discipleship their chief concern. Jesus also warns against irrational and unproductive worry, calling it pagan (Matt. 6:31-32).

Biblical Figures and Anxiety

Several biblical figures deal with anxiety in their stories. For example, the Israelites in the desert were anxious about food, but God provided for them (Deut. 8:3). Similarly, the Psalmist writes about his anxiety and trust in God, saying "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). The Psalmist also says "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3). These passages show that anxiety is not unique to modern times, but is a universal human experience that has been addressed in the Bible.

Trust and Anxiety

The Bible teaches that trust in God is the antidote to anxiety. Jesus says "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" (Matt. 6:25). Instead, he says "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). This means that when we put our trust in God and his sovereignty, we can be free from anxiety about our physical needs. The Psalmist writes "I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2). This verse shows that our help comes from God, and that we can trust in his goodness and provision. By trusting in God, we can experience peace and freedom from anxiety.